GSP vs. Hughes #2

ShaggyDave · 07-01-2006, 05:48 AM

This is probably the most anticipated fight I can think of right now in the UFC. I am curious to see how everyone thinks this will go down.

Snow Patrol · 07-01-2006, 09:12 AM

Either can win it, but I'll go with GSP.

jmag · 07-01-2006, 09:53 AM

Matt's core strength is too much for GSP.

subgenius · 07-01-2006, 09:59 AM

Matt Hughes has all the power in his body to do whatever he wants in the Octagon. Very few seem able to match that type of strength. GSP needs to keep it standing early on, and hit Hughes with those kicks like he did in their first match. But, he will eventually need to get to the ground. I think he should takedown Hughes before Hughes can slam GSP. Take the initiative and work a submission. But, I still have doubts that GSP can win. He has all the tools, but Hughes is Hughes. He is not an easy mark. He learns from each fight, especially his losses. I doubt he will be RNC'd ever again.

sitnspin · 07-01-2006, 10:12 AM

Matt's mental game will also be a big factor. He tends to go into fights supremely confident with this "there's no way he can beat me" mindset. Confidence is important, but it's also been his undoing in the past.

I think he was right to be that sure of himself against guys like Royce, Trigg, and Joe Riggs, but I'm willing to bet that regardless of what he SAYS in the interviews leading up to this fight, he knows that GSP can beat him, and even has a very good chance of doing so. I imagine he fully respects and appreciates the way GSP has continued to get stronger, faster and smarter, and he knows that he's in there with the guy who poses the biggest threat to his title. Does Matt realize this will be the fight of his life? Probably.

I'm having a really hard time picking this one, because it's two guys who are the best in their weight class. They're both insanely strong, agile, clever, well-rounded -- you name it. At this point, I can't really say there's any aspect of either fighter's game that's a clear weak point. They're great wrestlers, they can strike, they're skilled in submissions, their cardio is through the roof...

GSP is freakishly strong. I think Matt Hughes has the edge in power with most opponents, but less so here.

I think it's really going to come down to who has the better night, and it'll be the same toss-up in their rematch.

Beefutz · 07-01-2006, 10:37 AM

I can't pick this one, but I sure as hell am looking forward to watching it.

Jras0001 · 07-01-2006, 11:09 AM

I think that if Matt can deal with the early attacks of GSP and it gets into the later part of the first round, then he will have an even better chance of keeping his belt. I think that all Matt needs to do is close the distance, avoid kicks, and take GSP to the mat and work his game plan. Like many have said earlier, Hughes just has too much strength and I think that is what will carry him through to retain the belt.

GSPALLTHEWAY · 07-01-2006, 11:39 AM

this fight is going to be out of this world.... hughes since he has reworked his BJJ game seems unbeatable with his strength.... since the hughes\gsp fight GSP has seemed unbeatable... dominating a matt hughes clone in sean sherk.. GSP can take him down, he can win on the feet or on the ground... hughes can certainly win on the ground.... no way to definently say anything in this one

PghPens71 · 07-01-2006, 12:12 PM

i don't know who i'd rather see penn fight. i suppose since he already dismantled hughes, ill want gsp to win but i really dont care too much either way. itll be awesome and i want to see it.

TOF · 07-01-2006, 01:04 PM

I'm going with Hughes on this one. He's just too strong.

mepersoner · 07-01-2006, 01:21 PM

GSP will take it if it stays standing, but I think Hughes will eventually work him to the ground and impose his will.

RockemSockem · 07-01-2006, 01:24 PM

Yea this fight is impossible to call. Whoever capitalizes on the one mistake the other will make the entire fight loses. My coin flip came up heads, i think heads was GSP.

TicAL · 07-01-2006, 05:47 PM

I want GSP to win this one, but I have a gut feeling that Hughes will pull it off.

imdahman · 07-01-2006, 06:30 PM

Being a Canadian, I once again put all my faith in GSP. One thing is for sure: This will be a GREAT fight. GSP won't make the same mistake he did last time, and I'm hoping Hughes is taking GSP a bit light 'cause of the fact he beat him in the 1st round before.

I also think a lot of people overlook how strong GSP actually is. Granted, he's not as strong as Hughes, but he too is freakishly strong for a WW.

I'm gonna call it:

GSP in the fourth by TKO!!

... it'd be awesome if it were by Flying armbar though

dagenhamdave · 07-01-2006, 06:53 PM

In his last few fights GSP has not failed me. I have bet on him every time and he has delivered. He has the tools and after the BJ fight, I believe he has the heart. This will be his toughest fight to this point and I will be betting on him again. GSP will shock Hughes. I think this may be fight of the year.

WarDawg · 07-01-2006, 07:57 PM

While I like GSP.... You ain't the man till you beat the Man. I think Matt Hughes will retain his belt. While GSP has gottoen better ... So has Hughes. WarDawg

Bomber · 07-01-2006, 08:04 PM

As much as I admire GSP, I have a problem betting against Hughes. He's a very determined guy.

Ryduce · 07-01-2006, 09:16 PM

I don't know about this one.GSP looked good against Matt during thier first fight,with the exception of one mistake.He was landing some nice jabs,he took Matt down once,made a reversal,a nice spinning back kick,etc etc.On the other hand Matt has been unstoppable the past couple of years,and his strength is unparalled.It could go either way,but I think GSP is gonna be too much for Matt this time.GSP by knockout in the the third.

Jras0001 · 07-01-2006, 09:31 PM

Im pretty interested to see just how the odds makers in Las Vegas call this one. You'd have to think that the odds are going to be really close to being even if not slightly leaning towards Hughes...

Snow Patrol · 07-01-2006, 10:18 PM

I can't see how they won't make Hughes the favorite, he has the belt and won their first fight. That said, I think GSP wins it.