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.
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