UFC 100 Preview: Thiago Alves

by Nick Thomas on Jul 3, 2009 9:47 AM EDT in MMA News

"It's just another fight and I'm going to take GSP out." "GSP will try to impose his will, take me down and work from the top. But I'll be ready for anything."

"I can stop anybodies take down. I've been training for this my whole life; I can stop GSP's takedown". "I’m not really worried about what GSP is going to do. I know what I'm going to do and I'm going to knock him out"

HT: Sherdog.com

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If I was Thiago I would rush GSP as soon as the bell rings and unleash on him with all he has. Kinda like Diego to Guida. Make sure he stuffs that first takedown he knows GSP is gonna try and go for broke. If not GSP takes this.

Damn, this is gonna be one of the longest weeks ever. I wish it was tomorrow!!!!

Crowd: FE-DOR! FE-DOR!

Mike Goldberg: The crowd seems to be chanting "Kongo" here, Joe.

by xFenixKnightx on Jul 3, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

that's an excellent

way to end up on your back getting bitched out.

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by Kid Nate on Jul 3, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Unless…he stuffs it, like I said. But yeah that’s not an easy thing to do.

Crowd: FE-DOR! FE-DOR!

Mike Goldberg: The crowd seems to be chanting "Kongo" here, Joe.

by xFenixKnightx on Jul 3, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Even then, GSP is faster and has great circling and lateral movement. He won’t get trapped backed up against the cage the way Guida did, and he certainly won’t stand there and trade one-for-one with Thiago. He’ll jab-circle-jab until he’s got space, return to the centre of the octagon, and make Alves start all over.

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

by AJB on Jul 3, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

True, but then again anything can happen as they say. That’s why they fight the fights. :)

Crowd: FE-DOR! FE-DOR!

Mike Goldberg: The crowd seems to be chanting "Kongo" here, Joe.

by xFenixKnightx on Jul 3, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course it can. I just don’t think the blitz method is going to help Alves. I think it puts him in more trouble.

I think Alves needs to counterpunch, try and catch GSP coming in, make him more hesitant to shoot, and then start pushing. Pushing the pace right out of the gate plays into GSP’s strengths because he’s faster; Alves needs to slow GSP down.

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

by AJB on Jul 3, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I dunno man we’ve all seen what GSP does to guys that pace themselves. He beats them down nasty. Then we’ve seen what can happen when someone unleashes a barrage on him. Just saying.

Crowd: FE-DOR! FE-DOR!

Mike Goldberg: The crowd seems to be chanting "Kongo" here, Joe.

by xFenixKnightx on Jul 3, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Alves should probably try and punch him in the face. I don’t think GSP will see that one coming.

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

by Rundownloser on Jul 3, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

We’ve seen what happens, yes, but almost all of those guys lacked the striking power, accuracy, and general nastiness of Alves. Wearing GSP down as a strategy would be dependent on actually being able to hurt him significantly with any shot that landed, and not many of GSP’s past few opponents (who have largely been grapplers – Fitch, Kos, Hughes) have that one-punch KO power or the ability to throw short, accurate combos.

And basing much off that Serra fight is, I think, a bad idea. A hail-mary play that scored on a fighter who is vastly different now doesn’t make a trend.

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

by AJB on Jul 3, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I also think Alves’ best chance is to take the fight to GSP, like Serra did. Basically pressure him early and often. However, even if he stuffs the first couple takedown attempts, I think GSP eventually gets Alves down. I figure third round win for GSP.

I love me some Sexyama!

by pud333 on Jul 3, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I heard Alves’ voice crack. He’s nervous.

Keep firing Assholes!

Out out, you demons of stupidity!

by Ubernoober on Jul 3, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

Nah, it actually sounds like he’s excited.

Crowd: FE-DOR! FE-DOR!

Mike Goldberg: The crowd seems to be chanting "Kongo" here, Joe.

by xFenixKnightx on Jul 3, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

As somebody who has openly admitted that I believe Thiago will win this fight, I can say that I doubt he’ll prevent GSP from getting the fight to the ground. I think he’ll land some punches before he gets taken down, but it will happen and his only way to win this fight is to get right back to his feet. He can’t just let GSP sit on top of him or else he will lose. As soon as Thiago falls on his back he needs to hip escape and stand up. If he can do that reliably then GSP will have nowhere to turn to. Takedowns are GSP’s “safety zone” and if Alves can nullify that he’s well on his way to victory (Yes, I watched that GJ interview). I don’t think GSP can take Thiago down after round 2 ends, assuming it’s a fast-paced fight, and I see a round 3 or 4 KO in the works, maybe a decision for Alves.

by Ahhhoki on Jul 3, 2009 4:23 PM EDT reply actions

Fitch man handled Alves, and GSP put a whupping on Fitch. I think that GSP will beat Alves the same way Alves was beaten by Fitch. He will get out wrestled.

by J_Maddux on Jul 3, 2009 8:55 PM EDT reply actions