GSP Beats Jake Shields
GSP beats Shields by unanimous decision on the score cards.
UFC 129, on a whole was an amazing event, but the GSP Vs Shields fight was a little slow paced. The better stand up came from GSP theres no doubt about that, and the decision was right, GSP won this fight hands down. Every time Shields tried to clinch or take GSP down, GSP did an excellent job of defending takedowns, and not once did Shields manage to get him down. Not that there were many attempts as the fight was mainly a boxing match. GSP landed a superb head kick on one ocassion which put Shields down, but he managed to shake it off.
GSP was far too athletic, way better with his stand up, and far too strong for Shields. Although Shields did land some punches, and it was GSP who looked worse after the fight sporting a swollen eye and a cut nose. But this match was a clear domination by GSP on the whole.
It has to be said, there was a hesitancy about GSP's work tonight. I think he showed a bit too much respect for Shields. But a wins and win, and GSP keeps the UFC Welter Weight Title and moves on to his next challenge, possibly a superfight with Anderson Silva at a catch weight yet to be agreed.
GSP Vs Shields Weigh In
GSP Vs Shields Weigh In
Both fighters looked in excellent shape at the weigh in, and I'm sure this will be a great fight while it lasts. I was concerned that George St. Pierre might have been looking past Jake Shields because of all the hype of him fighting Anderson Silva, but those concerns have been squashed. George St. Pierre has stated in interviews leading up to this fight that there is no way he will look past Shields, and he was even annoyed that other people like fans and the media were doing so.
Jake Shields is a dangerous fighter and one slip up from GSP
could cost him the fight. Saying that though, I do think George St. Pierre wins this fight, he is a much more well rounded fighter then Shields. Not so much on the ground, but with his stand up. In my opinion, Jake Shields stand up game is the chink in his armour, he isn't on the same level as GSP in that department. But then again, this is Mixed Martial Arts, and one things for sure, there are many many ways to lose a fight in MMA
. So Jake can't be written off. If, or when he gets GSP down to the ground or in a wrestling / grapping situation this could be a very interesting fight. Jakes Jiu-Jitsu / wrestling is world class, and he is hungry for the UFC title.
Five-5 minute rounds is a long fight, and I see the action going back and forth, but GSP will be victorious, either by decision or stoppage.
Both fighters looked in excellent shape at the weigh in, and I'm sure this will be a great fight while it lasts. I was concerned that George St. Pierre might have been looking past Jake Shields because of all the hype of him fighting Anderson Silva, but those concerns have been squashed. George St. Pierre has stated in interviews leading up to this fight that there is no way he will look past Shields, and he was even annoyed that other people like fans and the media were doing so.
Jake Shields is a dangerous fighter and one slip up from GSP
could cost him the fight. Saying that though, I do think George St. Pierre wins this fight, he is a much more well rounded fighter then Shields. Not so much on the ground, but with his stand up. In my opinion, Jake Shields stand up game is the chink in his armour, he isn't on the same level as GSP in that department. But then again, this is Mixed Martial Arts, and one things for sure, there are many many ways to lose a fight in MMA. So Jake can't be written off. If, or when he gets GSP down to the ground or in a wrestling / grapping situation this could be a very interesting fight. Jakes Jiu-Jitsu / wrestling is world class, and he is hungry for the UFC title.Five-5 minute rounds is a long fight, and I see the action going back and forth, but GSP will be victorious, either by decision or stoppage.
Video Credit: MMA Heat
James Degale Vs George Groves
James Degale Vs George Groves - Weigh In
The most eagerly awaited UK domestic tear up in quite some time. James Degale and George Groves have a long history, they go back a long way, and they've always hated each other. This is no "made up" rivalry for the media in order to sell the fight, it's very genuine and who ever wins out of these two will have the bragging rights.
Most people are thinking along the same lines regarding the result of the fight and the appeal of both fighters. They hate the cockeyness of James Degale but think he is the better boxer and has progressed more since turning professional. Then there's George Groves, most people think he's a much more likable guy then James Degale, but think he hasn't improved that much since turning pro, and see little difference in his boxing ability from when he was an amatuer. The higher percentage of people believe Degale will win this fight.
For those that don't know, Groves holds a win over Degale from the amatuer days and although Groves did win that fight, it wasn't by a big margin, it was a very even, "tit for tat", amatuer boxing match. Most people, including me, thought that Degale did enough to get the win, that's how close it was. Watch the Groves Vs Degale Amatuer Fight.
On the plus side for George Groves he has been out in Miami sparring with Andre Dirrell, and Groves did show signs that it was a tough experience by sporting a black eye. Dirrell, at this moment in time is a much better fighter then Degale so the sparring with Dirrell will be of huge benefit to George Groves.
James Degale has been sparring with Nathan Cleverly, who himself is a good boxer, and does have a stone or two weight advantage over Degale. Nathan Cleverly also has a similar boxing style to Groves so this could be very helpful for Degale come fight night.
Everyone is convinced that James Degale is going to win this fight easy but I'm not so sure. I think Degale has more boxing skill and more potential then Groves, but there is a mental edge for Groves in this fight. In my opinion, in all the interviews I have seen where Degale and Groves are being interviewed together it looks like Degale is secretly very concerned, even worried about this fight.
Degale has been stooping very low with some of his comments to Groves, and he appears to be attempting to try and either get a little mental advantage, or convince himself that he's got the tools and has progressed enough to beat Groves easily..I think Degale knows that this is going to be his toughest
fight so far, and somewhere, behind the many layers of Degales bravado he is more concerned then he's making out. With the noises he's making, he's thinking it makes him look confident, but it's actually doing the opposite and making him look like he's beaten mentally.
Can Degale tackle the mental demons? We shall find out whether Degale's just a good fighter against opponents he knows aren't as good as he is, or if he really has the ability when his opponent is more evenly matched to his own abilitys. Can he rise to the challenge, we don't know yet because he hasn't been tested. George Groves is James Degales old foe and Groves claims to have his number, he does hold a win over him to suggest that, but this was a very long time ago. However, it does still give Groves a little mental advantage in my opinion. This fight will answer lots of questions about both fighters. I can't wait to see it.
There is so much emotion, bragging rights, and history involved with this fight that it's a very hard one to call. Rather then get beat these two will basically scarifice everything rather then lose to each other.
George Groves defense is too open which spells danger. Although Groves could win if he boxes clever and uses his boxing skills to full effect. This is a hard thing to do with such an emotional fight.
Who wins?
I think James Degale will win late, either by stoppage or George Groves corner will pull him out.
The most eagerly awaited UK domestic tear up in quite some time. James Degale and George Groves have a long history, they go back a long way, and they've always hated each other. This is no "made up" rivalry for the media in order to sell the fight, it's very genuine and who ever wins out of these two will have the bragging rights.
Most people are thinking along the same lines regarding the result of the fight and the appeal of both fighters. They hate the cockeyness of James Degale but think he is the better boxer and has progressed more since turning professional. Then there's George Groves, most people think he's a much more likable guy then James Degale, but think he hasn't improved that much since turning pro, and see little difference in his boxing ability from when he was an amatuer. The higher percentage of people believe Degale will win this fight.
For those that don't know, Groves holds a win over Degale from the amatuer days and although Groves did win that fight, it wasn't by a big margin, it was a very even, "tit for tat", amatuer boxing match. Most people, including me, thought that Degale did enough to get the win, that's how close it was. Watch the Groves Vs Degale Amatuer Fight.
On the plus side for George Groves he has been out in Miami sparring with Andre Dirrell, and Groves did show signs that it was a tough experience by sporting a black eye. Dirrell, at this moment in time is a much better fighter then Degale so the sparring with Dirrell will be of huge benefit to George Groves.
James Degale has been sparring with Nathan Cleverly, who himself is a good boxer, and does have a stone or two weight advantage over Degale. Nathan Cleverly also has a similar boxing style to Groves so this could be very helpful for Degale come fight night.
James Degale and George Groves Square up. Photo Credit: JRfotography
Everyone is convinced that James Degale is going to win this fight easy but I'm not so sure. I think Degale has more boxing skill and more potential then Groves, but there is a mental edge for Groves in this fight. In my opinion, in all the interviews I have seen where Degale and Groves are being interviewed together it looks like Degale is secretly very concerned, even worried about this fight.
Degale has been stooping very low with some of his comments to Groves, and he appears to be attempting to try and either get a little mental advantage, or convince himself that he's got the tools and has progressed enough to beat Groves easily..I think Degale knows that this is going to be his toughest
fight so far, and somewhere, behind the many layers of Degales bravado he is more concerned then he's making out. With the noises he's making, he's thinking it makes him look confident, but it's actually doing the opposite and making him look like he's beaten mentally.Can Degale tackle the mental demons? We shall find out whether Degale's just a good fighter against opponents he knows aren't as good as he is, or if he really has the ability when his opponent is more evenly matched to his own abilitys. Can he rise to the challenge, we don't know yet because he hasn't been tested. George Groves is James Degales old foe and Groves claims to have his number, he does hold a win over him to suggest that, but this was a very long time ago. However, it does still give Groves a little mental advantage in my opinion. This fight will answer lots of questions about both fighters. I can't wait to see it.
There is so much emotion, bragging rights, and history involved with this fight that it's a very hard one to call. Rather then get beat these two will basically scarifice everything rather then lose to each other.
George Groves defense is too open which spells danger. Although Groves could win if he boxes clever and uses his boxing skills to full effect. This is a hard thing to do with such an emotional fight.
Who wins?
I think James Degale will win late, either by stoppage or George Groves corner will pull him out.
Carl Froch Promoting Himself
Carl Froch Promoting Himself
It has been reported that boxer Carl Froch is heading for a legal battle because he got rid of promoter Mick Hennessy while still under contract. Carl Froch will now promote himself. Froch is through to the Super Six Semi Finals and will face tough veteran Glen Johnson on June 4th in USA.
I hope this messy situation doesn't get in the way of Carls training for his up coming fight with Glen Johnson. Carl Froch has been with Mick Hennessy since he first turned Pro, so it's a shame that things have gone sour between the pair.
It has been reported that boxer Carl Froch is heading for a legal battle because he got rid of promoter Mick Hennessy while still under contract. Carl Froch will now promote himself. Froch is through to the Super Six Semi Finals and will face tough veteran Glen Johnson on June 4th in USA.
I hope this messy situation doesn't get in the way of Carls training for his up coming fight with Glen Johnson. Carl Froch has been with Mick Hennessy since he first turned Pro, so it's a shame that things have gone sour between the pair.
Anderson Silva Vs George St. Pierre
UFC - Anderson Silva Vs George St. Pierre
This is the MMA equivalent of Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. George St. Pierre and Anderson Silva are two of the absolute best, if not thee two best MMA fighters on the planet. No matter who wins, or how they win, both fighters deserve the upmost respect for being at the very top of there chosen sport.
For this fight to become reality GSP has to beat Jake Shields at UFC 129
(GSP's next fight), and let me tell you, this is no easy task. Jake Shields is a very good fighter, he could cause an upset, he definitely has the ability to do so.
Is this danger in the making for George St. Pierre? Everyone is talking about George St. Pierre Vs Anderson Silva, completely looking past Jake Shields straight to Anderson Silva, lets hope that GSP doesn't look past Shields and is fully focused and motivated for his next task before the superfight with Silva. It must be tough for GSP for concentrate just on Shields, specially with every interviewer he's talking to asking him questions about fighting Anderson Silva. GSP is a true professional though and I can't see him taking his eye off the task in hand, he lost the last time he done that against Matt Serra, and I doubt he will make the same mistake again.
While George St. Pierre does all his moves perfect and the way they were traditionaly taught to him with a few exceptions thrown in, a very good solid stand up and ground game, Silva is the total opposite, he is so unpredictable, so unorthadox, so in sync with his feet and hands, that he is extremely tough to train for and even harder to beat. He also has that rare ability to try crazy moves in fights
and actually pull them off. He really is a "thinking mans fighter", a completely spontaneous fighter.
Many fighters try fancy kicks and off the wall moves in training, but hardly any of them really use them in a real MMA match, but Anderson Silva actually uses them in a real MMA fight against a tough opponent - and pulls them off. He reminds me of a line that Bruce Lee was once asked in a movie: What is the highest technique you wish to achieve? Bruce Lee replied, "To have no technique". This is the level that Anderson Silva has achieved, he has no set technique, everything he does in a fight is completely for the moment and depends on how an opening or opponent reveals themself.
If they do fight, and while I really respect GSP's stand up, I Believe his best chance to win against Silva would be on the ground, Silva's stand up is just too dangerous. GSP is very strong and he has excellent take downs, so this could be a fight winner if he can time his takedowns correct, get Silva down and not give him any room to breath, following up with some GSP style ground and pound, which could win him the fight
either by strikes or submission.
One major factor in this fight could be the weight it takes place at. Both fighters would probably be most happy meeting somewhere in the middle, maybe at around 185 pounds. Some people say that Anderson Silva can still make 170lbs and meet George St. Pierre at his own weight (Welterweight), but would he be the same fighter after cutting so much weight? I think the best, and more fairer option would be a catchweight of around 180 - 185.
On there day either of these fighters can beat anyone, including each other. I hope it happens, it will be great for the UFC and MMA in general.
This is the MMA equivalent of Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. George St. Pierre and Anderson Silva are two of the absolute best, if not thee two best MMA fighters on the planet. No matter who wins, or how they win, both fighters deserve the upmost respect for being at the very top of there chosen sport.
For this fight to become reality GSP has to beat Jake Shields at UFC 129
(GSP's next fight), and let me tell you, this is no easy task. Jake Shields is a very good fighter, he could cause an upset, he definitely has the ability to do so. Is this danger in the making for George St. Pierre? Everyone is talking about George St. Pierre Vs Anderson Silva, completely looking past Jake Shields straight to Anderson Silva, lets hope that GSP doesn't look past Shields and is fully focused and motivated for his next task before the superfight with Silva. It must be tough for GSP for concentrate just on Shields, specially with every interviewer he's talking to asking him questions about fighting Anderson Silva. GSP is a true professional though and I can't see him taking his eye off the task in hand, he lost the last time he done that against Matt Serra, and I doubt he will make the same mistake again.
While George St. Pierre does all his moves perfect and the way they were traditionaly taught to him with a few exceptions thrown in, a very good solid stand up and ground game, Silva is the total opposite, he is so unpredictable, so unorthadox, so in sync with his feet and hands, that he is extremely tough to train for and even harder to beat. He also has that rare ability to try crazy moves in fights
and actually pull them off. He really is a "thinking mans fighter", a completely spontaneous fighter.Many fighters try fancy kicks and off the wall moves in training, but hardly any of them really use them in a real MMA match, but Anderson Silva actually uses them in a real MMA fight against a tough opponent - and pulls them off. He reminds me of a line that Bruce Lee was once asked in a movie: What is the highest technique you wish to achieve? Bruce Lee replied, "To have no technique". This is the level that Anderson Silva has achieved, he has no set technique, everything he does in a fight is completely for the moment and depends on how an opening or opponent reveals themself.
If they do fight, and while I really respect GSP's stand up, I Believe his best chance to win against Silva would be on the ground, Silva's stand up is just too dangerous. GSP is very strong and he has excellent take downs, so this could be a fight winner if he can time his takedowns correct, get Silva down and not give him any room to breath, following up with some GSP style ground and pound, which could win him the fight
either by strikes or submission. One major factor in this fight could be the weight it takes place at. Both fighters would probably be most happy meeting somewhere in the middle, maybe at around 185 pounds. Some people say that Anderson Silva can still make 170lbs and meet George St. Pierre at his own weight (Welterweight), but would he be the same fighter after cutting so much weight? I think the best, and more fairer option would be a catchweight of around 180 - 185.
On there day either of these fighters can beat anyone, including each other. I hope it happens, it will be great for the UFC and MMA in general.
Victor Ortiz Beats Andre Berto
Victor Ortiz Beats Andre Berto
I'm very happy for Victor Ortiz. He really needed to put on a good performance in this fight. Many people thought that after his loss to Maidana that he didn't have a fighters heart. Even Andre Berto himself said in an interview a few weeks before this fight that Ortiz has no heart when he's forced into the trenches. Well, tonight Victor Ortiz redeemed himself by convincingly beating Andre Berto on points to become the new, and much deserved, WBC Welter Weight Champion Of The World.
From the start Ortiz fought like a man possessed, he really had a point to prove. Both fighters had there moments and both fighters hit the canvas. But the true star of this fight was Victor Ortiz, Berto just couldn't deal with the relentless pressure and workrate
that Ortiz brought to this fight. Credit
to Berto, he showed good heart, he was knocked down in the 1st round, and he looked like he was going to get stopped early, but he managed to pull himself together and shake off the cob webs. However, he never seemed to fully recover and it was like he was shocked by the pace and pressure Ortiz was applying. It seemed to catch him off guard.
There were some shakey moments for Ortiz but he showed he has plenty of heart by getting up off the canvas
and forcing himself back into the fight. At one point it looked to be all over for Ortiz when he was caught with a huge Berto hook that was almost certainly a contest ending punch. But Ortiz got up and managed to weather the storm, coming back with his own punches.
An excellent, career best win for Victor Ortiz. Full credit for such an entertaining fight. No one can say he doesn't have heart after that performance.
I'm very happy for Victor Ortiz. He really needed to put on a good performance in this fight. Many people thought that after his loss to Maidana that he didn't have a fighters heart. Even Andre Berto himself said in an interview a few weeks before this fight that Ortiz has no heart when he's forced into the trenches. Well, tonight Victor Ortiz redeemed himself by convincingly beating Andre Berto on points to become the new, and much deserved, WBC Welter Weight Champion Of The World.
From the start Ortiz fought like a man possessed, he really had a point to prove. Both fighters had there moments and both fighters hit the canvas. But the true star of this fight was Victor Ortiz, Berto just couldn't deal with the relentless pressure and workrate
that Ortiz brought to this fight. Credit to Berto, he showed good heart, he was knocked down in the 1st round, and he looked like he was going to get stopped early, but he managed to pull himself together and shake off the cob webs. However, he never seemed to fully recover and it was like he was shocked by the pace and pressure Ortiz was applying. It seemed to catch him off guard. There were some shakey moments for Ortiz but he showed he has plenty of heart by getting up off the canvas
and forcing himself back into the fight. At one point it looked to be all over for Ortiz when he was caught with a huge Berto hook that was almost certainly a contest ending punch. But Ortiz got up and managed to weather the storm, coming back with his own punches. An excellent, career best win for Victor Ortiz. Full credit for such an entertaining fight. No one can say he doesn't have heart after that performance.
Amir Khan Beats Paul Mc'Closkey
Amir Khan Beats Paul Mc'Closkey
The fight was stopped in the 6th round due to a clash of heads which opened up a cut on Paul Mc'Closkey's forehead / eyebrow. This fight was more competitive then most people thought it would be. Amir Khan did have some trouble with the very awkward southpaw style of Paul Mc'Closkey. Khan was made to miss quite a lot, and when he did land clean
punches Paul Mc'Closkey took them very well.
Paul Mc'Closkey, as expected, came to fight and give his all to try and get that WBA title around his waist, he was very motivated for this fight, and he did do pretty well. But Amir Khan's speed was too much and at times he was catching Paul Mc'Closkey with some clean punches. Fair enough, Paul Mc'Closkey took them well and still came forward, but as the rounds were going by the punches were having more of an accumulative effect. The punches were taking their toll. Although, Amir Khan's power didn't seem very good in this fight considering how many punches he was landing.
It's a shame really that this fight was stopped early because of the cut. It could of turned into a very competitive fight. Amir Khan did win all 6 rounds on the scorecards but Paul Mc'Closkey wasn't losing them really badly, he was still in there and still game for a fight, so the fight could of took a different turn once into the later rounds. And on a few occasions when he did catch Khan with a good punch
Khan did look at little troubled. Shame we'll never know.
Good effort by Mc'Closkey, and another win for Khan, who now wants to go back to the USA for a super fight with Timothy Bradley.
The fight was stopped in the 6th round due to a clash of heads which opened up a cut on Paul Mc'Closkey's forehead / eyebrow. This fight was more competitive then most people thought it would be. Amir Khan did have some trouble with the very awkward southpaw style of Paul Mc'Closkey. Khan was made to miss quite a lot, and when he did land clean
punches Paul Mc'Closkey took them very well.Paul Mc'Closkey, as expected, came to fight and give his all to try and get that WBA title around his waist, he was very motivated for this fight, and he did do pretty well. But Amir Khan's speed was too much and at times he was catching Paul Mc'Closkey with some clean punches. Fair enough, Paul Mc'Closkey took them well and still came forward, but as the rounds were going by the punches were having more of an accumulative effect. The punches were taking their toll. Although, Amir Khan's power didn't seem very good in this fight considering how many punches he was landing.
It's a shame really that this fight was stopped early because of the cut. It could of turned into a very competitive fight. Amir Khan did win all 6 rounds on the scorecards but Paul Mc'Closkey wasn't losing them really badly, he was still in there and still game for a fight, so the fight could of took a different turn once into the later rounds. And on a few occasions when he did catch Khan with a good punch
Khan did look at little troubled. Shame we'll never know.Good effort by Mc'Closkey, and another win for Khan, who now wants to go back to the USA for a super fight with Timothy Bradley.
Amir Khan Vs Paul Mc'Closkey
Amir Khan Vs Paul Mc'CloskeyKhan Beats Mc'Closkey - Read More
I quite like this boxing match up. Not because I believe it's a very evenly matched fight, but because a fighter that deserves a shot at a world title is getting one. That fighter is paul Mc'Closkey. He has worked his way up the boxing ranks the old fashioned way, and I believe a shot at a world title has come at the right time for him. Sadly for Paul Mc'Closkey, he has to beat Amir Khan to be crowned world champion, and I don't think it's possible. As game and awkward as Mc'Closkey is, he just doesn't have the skill set required to beat Khan. His previous opponents have not been anywhere near the same level or class as Amir Khan
. Paul Mc'Closkey will be tested big time at the M.E.N Arena on Saturday, and we will see if Khan can take advantage of the many flaws that Mc'Closkey has in his boxing game. One fatal flaw is his defense. To be frank, it's terrible! He is wide open for counter punches, and I know Amir Khan and his team are licking their lips at the thought of Mc'Closkey doing some of the moves he has done in previous fights in this one. I hope Mc'Closkey and his team, in particular John Breen, have really worked on Paul's defense for this fight. Because with Khan's fast and accurate hands, he's really going to need it.
It's not all doom and gloom though for Mc'Closkey, he does have good boxing skills
, and also something that makes him pretty special, he is excellent at throwing punches from crazy angles. He may not have a good defense, but his very awkward southpaw style can give anyone problems, including Khan. Paul Mc'Closkeys very hungry and has never lost, so he will give everything in this fight. He has been down before and can be vunerable early on in bouts, and as we know from past fights, Khan is a fast starter. If Mc'Closkey can get past the first 4 - 5 rounds he stands a much better chance of winning this fight.Amir Khan has taken a massive pay cut in this fight, reportedly around £1 Million to £1.5 Million GBP. This is because of problems with Pay Per View broadcasters, and Khan's team / promoters having to move the fight over to be aired by another television station (Prime Time). Will this have an effect on Khan's performance, I think it will. He is making almost nothing for this fight after all the fees are taken out of his already tiny pay day considering this is a world title defense. Khan says that his team have handled this problem and have done a good job keeping him out of it. But in the back of his mind it's there, and no matter what he says he is concerned over his purse being cut, I think anyone would be.
My heart says Paul Mc'Closkey, but my head says Amir Khan.
Prediction: Amir Khan to stop Paul Mc'Closkey within 8 rounds.
Watch the official Khan Vs Mc'Closkey Weigh-In
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