UFC 100 Preview: Georges St-Pierre vs. Thiago Alves

I usually don’t route for anyone but I’m definitely pulling for Alves in this fight.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 25, 2009 6:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why’s that?

"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."

by AJB on Jun 25, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, why is that?

by goodbones on Jun 25, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

GSP’s the favorite for obvious reasons. He’s well-rounded and one of the best physical and mental athletes to fight in MMA. That said, I think he’s over-hyped, as well as somewhat arrogant. While guys like Anderson Silva are the same way and I love them for it, the concept of them being beaten makes the fight extremely exciting to me. I think GSP has a weakness, though, and it won’t be long before he’s beaten. Even if he defeats Alves convincingly, I suspect that GSP will inevitably lose again because of his chin. I don’t have any evidence for this, of course. I suppose I’d just rather see him lose to a really quality, likable guy than to another Matt Serra.

Same goes for Anderson. I’d hate my life if Bisping (god forbid) KO’d Silva. But I wouldn’t mind so much if somebody like Marquardt or Maia beat him. It just adds a lot of dynamic and excitement to the division, whereas a continued GSP reign would be kind of predictable. I have a hard time explaining my stance exactly so hopefully I covered it satisfactorily.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 25, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you basically said that, against a guy who has already achieved a high level of success that you would rather vote for the underdog. That far off the mark?

"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."

by AJB on Jun 25, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but it’s a step past that. I just think GSP will eventually lose, and I’d rather have it be to Thiago Alves than any other foreseeable welterweight.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 25, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I think he’s over-hyped, as well as somewhat arrogant"

Are you blaming GSP for not being impressed?

by spectaa on Jun 25, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least you admit you have no logic, reason, or foundation for your thoughts on GSP.

by Hardcharger on Jun 26, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

GSP all the way baby

Keep firing Assholes!

Out out, you demons of stupidity!

by Ubernoober on Jun 25, 2009 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Because it’s only fair…

Why’s that?

"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."

by AJB on Jun 25, 2009 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s funny.

I love me some Sexyama!

by pud333 on Jun 25, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

GSP is gonna win.

I just don’t see him being beaten by Alves. GSP goes in for the take down, then holds him down and does some nice GnP. Of course Alves could always KO him. This is MMA after all, and anything can happen, but I think GSP takes it in, oh, what the heck, third round TKO.

I love me some Sexyama!

by pud333 on Jun 25, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That’s pretty much how I see it…except I’m predicting Alves via TKO in 3. I just don’t see GSP finishing him, and I don’t know if he can handle more than two or three rounds of playing target practice with Thiago Alves.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 25, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

GSP is definitely a better striker because of his loss to Matt Serra. He’s more careful and he is even more technical nowadays. But I can’t help but wonder if he’s so much better that he can avoid big shots from a world-class striker when he was dropped by an amateur boxer.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 25, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised to see GSP submit Alves.

As much as we’ve seen people talk up Alves’s BJJ game…when has he ever really shown it? When he fought Fisher, who had a serious size disadvantage against Alves, he was getting caught in subs from Spencer left-and-right in the first round, narrowly avoiding leg-locks, armbars, and triangles. In the second, he finally got careless after a takedown and Fisher got the triangle for the tap.

I’m sure Alves’s game has vastly improved since then, but I’d still argue that GSP’s BJJ skills are far better than both his and Fisher’s. If GSP can get through the takedown-defense, I think he might actively look for subs on the ground instead of just relying on ground-and-pound.

by Scott Haber on Jun 25, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think you would have to argue the fact that GSP’s BJJ skills are far better than both Alves & Fisher. I’m pretty sure that’s guaranteed. I still believe Alves will have a solid enough BJJ game, combined with his strength, to stay out of most submissions, but i totally agree with you that submission attempts may very well be part of the GSP-Jackson master game plan.

by MMAussie on Jun 25, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice quote alves “I was born for this” didnt i hear machida say almost the same thing about 2 months ago. Please use another cliche.

by JaTinkles on Jun 25, 2009 8:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You’ve heard it many times before and you will hear it again.

by spectaa on Jun 25, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh SNAP, forgot all about this match up!

"Like a ballet of violence clothed in fine Brazilian silk." ~ MMASuPreMaCy

by Benicio on Jun 25, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Imagine the backlash if Alves misses weight in a title fight at UFC 100…

"Japan panics about the rise of "grass-eating men," who shun sex, don’t spend money, and like taking walks."

Did they all get married?

- Ubernoober

by SamCupitt on Jun 25, 2009 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He’ll be lucky to make it to fight day if that happens. If this were in Canada, he’d be dead before he got off the weigh-in stage.

"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR

by Rundownloser on Jun 26, 2009 1:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Canadians don’t kill, we just cross our arms, shake our heads and make that “tsk” noise.

Keep firing Assholes!

Out out, you demons of stupidity!

by Ubernoober on Jun 26, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well then, I suppose the shame would probably kill him then.

"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR

by Rundownloser on Jun 26, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

funny to hear thiago invoke the F word.

by woooburn on Jun 25, 2009 10:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Right after the Penn fight

No-one said Alves had a chance, In fact-GSP was being regarded as the p4p champ, Now the closer we get the more Alves fans are saying he’s gonna win, Pierre can’t box with him, etc. etc. Personally I don’t think the win over Hughes was that impressive (He’s obviously past his prime) and beating Koscheck can’t be the reason he’s the number #1 contender-I don’t see how he jumped Fitch in the first place. It’s hard to not go back to his domination of Fitch-who beat Alves and not think he’ll win-also due to his ridiculous conditioning and game planning for each fight.

Doesn't anybody think before they speak/post anymore?

by Big Boob Lover on Jun 26, 2009 11:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Alves over GSP

First, you can’t compare his fight with Fitch three years ago to GSP’s fight with Fitch recently. Apples and oranges. Alves was a young and raw fighter three years ago. The Alves today is a huge and experienced fighter. Hughes is definitely not over the hill since he recently defeated Serra and showed that he’s still have it in him. He is better than Serra. So, Hughes > Serra. Alves destroyed Hughes far worse than GSP beating Serra. Food for thoughts.

Additionally, Alves destroyed Koscheck worst than anything GSP did. If I recall, it was more of a safe LnP effort during their last match. The problem with GSP is that he’s becoming predictable. His game plan is pretty much set: smother the opponent with devastating wrestling and GnP by utilizing his size and strength advantage. When you become predictable, your opponent can game plan against you.

The last thing to remember is this will be the first time GSP will be fighting a guy who’s just as strong as he is, a guy who can defend takedowns, and a far better striker than he is. GSP doesn’t have Kos’ chin so there’s great danger in the striking game VS Alves.

I’m calling it, Alves over GSP.

by cyph on Jun 26, 2009 12:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Your analysis is flawed in several areas. First, if you want to compare wins, GSP has destroyed a better version of Hughes 2x as impressively as Alves did, if not moreso. And GSP’s domination of Serra was easily as impressive as Alves beating Hughes.

Alves decisioned Koscheck in a fight Kos took on 2 weeks notice. GSP decisioned Kos in his first fight after a loss. Both controlled the fight in the aspect they wanted to.

And GSP’s game is anything but predictable. He has more tools than any other fighter. He knocked down Jon Fitch 4 times, won the wrestling against Fitch, and the BJJ. And Fitch has better TD defense than Alves, and is as larger or larger than Alves (definitely taller with a longer reach). Alves is bringing in a higher quality MT than GSP’s recent opponents, but has weaknesses in other areas that his other opponents didn’t have.

by Hardcharger on Jun 26, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You stated that my analysis is flawed based on a differing of opinions? You basically stated that my opinion is wrong and yours is right, and therefore my analysis is flawed.

by cyph on Jun 26, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your analysis is flawed because your assumptions are incorrect, thus your reasons for picking Alves (more “impressive” wins against different fighters, predictablility of GSP) are build on a faulty foundation.

We all know Alves’ chance in this fight. He has a decent chance, but fewer ways to win.

by Hardcharger on Jun 26, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re a funny guy. I could say your analysis is flawed as well because YOUR assumption is wrong.

It’s obvious that you’re pro GSP so you see things to his benefit. For me, I believe Alves is the better fighter. The proof is in the fight at UFC 100. An “I disagree” will suffice rather than you’re wrong and I’m right.

by cyph on Jun 26, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m sorry to upset your sensibilities. If you didn’t want any disagreement, you likely picked the wrong venue to offer your predictions. If you want to say Alves will win because he’ll keep the fight on the feet and will eventually connect and put GSP away, that’s a valid prediction that nobody can refute. If someone wants to say that GSP will win because he’ll take Alves down and pound him out, that’s also valid and can’t be refuted at this point. But to say Alves will win because he beat Hughes in a prettier fashion at UFC 85 than GSP beat Serra at UFC 83, and that GSP is the predictable fighter, then that’s going to draw out responses from those who disagree, as the premises are flawed.

by Hardcharger on Jun 26, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re one of those guys aren’t you?

Prediction: Alves 1st round KO via flying knee against GSP at 2:30 sec. GSP will lose his belt and then fall off the top. He will then drop to lightweight because he can’t hang with the big boys at WW. The WW has finally figured out GSP’s LNP style. Guida style ain’t gonna cut it any more in the UFC.

by cyph on Jun 26, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um.

by subo on Jun 26, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you joking here? And why did you suddenly go into left field?

I have been reading your guys’ debate, and I don’t know how this reply makes any real sense considering that you guys were having a more-or-less healthy and reasonable debate yet now this reply. What exactly did you mean by “You’re one of those guys aren’t you?” anyway?

by chrisbboy82 on Jun 27, 2009 3:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

GSP actually passes guard and attacks to finish from top position

And for the record, LNP is very different than GNP (GNP is what GSP does). LNP consists of a fighter NOT attempting to pass guard and doing very little to no damage from the top. GSP attempts to and does pass guard against fighters like Fitch, Serra, Penn and Hughes which were his last opponents. True LNP fighters almost always end their fights by decision, yet GSP has finished Serra, Hughes, and to an extent Penn. I have seen you post here a lot, so I would have figured that you would be able to recognize what GSP does in that he does not LNP and fight just to get a decision victory. Also, I am not saying this out of some sort of GSP “nuthugging,” but stating this out of obvious facts as shown by his last fights.

by chrisbboy82 on Jun 27, 2009 3:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see you’re the overly sensitive type. Nice prediction, similar to how you predicted Penn to outlcass GSP as well. The rest of your prediction after the outcome is absolute garbage, but I understand that you’re acting out after being offended regarding your lack of logic earlier. No hard feelings.

by Hardcharger on Jun 29, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hughes is not over the hill??

I completely disagree, He BARELY beat a mediocre Serra, and really that fight could have gone either way, Hughes in his prime was nothing like Hughes in that or the Alves fight, Hughes last fight where he dominated was the Gracie fight and he surely benefited from Royce being 39 and not really the well rounded fighter that top MMA fighters have evolved into in the last ten years, I think Matt Hughes is a certain Hall of Famer, but should of retired in 06 (IMO) Alves beating him last year is a lot less impressive than on paper. Alves didn’t destroy Hughes far worse (about the same if anything-both dominating) than GSP over Serra ll, I’m not sure Serra landed one punch in their second fight, and looked way out of his league, Hughes didn’t do anything either in the fight with Alves, But in comparison, Serra was a lot closer to his prime than Hughes was.

Doesn't anybody think before they speak/post anymore?

by Big Boob Lover on Jun 26, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Am I the only one who thinks BJ Penn beats Thiago Alves?

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2008

by lovingmma25 on Jun 26, 2009 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How exactly? While BJ is a great ground fighter, he hardly attempts takedowns to get his opponent to the floor. Standup-wise, it is impossible to say who has better standup, and then, there is the weight difference as well. I am not saying that it is impossible, but I would be hard pressed to find strong evidence for this.

by chrisbboy82 on Jun 27, 2009 4:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs