I think it basically comes down to whether GSP can take him down or not. He probably can, but a big dude with vicious standup and a great sprawl is exactly the kind of fighter who is most dangerous to GSP IMO. If Matt Serra can KO him Alves definitely has a chance to as well. I think Georges is going to take it to the ground almost immediately and when he does he'll probably get a relatively easy submission after softening him up with some GnP.
Hard to pick, GSP is the better fighter all around for sure, but Alves is dangerous in one area where we've seen GSP take a loss from a lesser opponent. I'm leaning towards GSP, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if Alves won.
there is really no doubt in my mind that GSP can take him down. Alves's stand up won't be as effective because he is going to be looking to defend the shot from GSP. GSP is just a much better overall fighter and will come in with a great gameplan and he'll finish Alves no later than the 3rd round. not to mention Alves looked like he lost control of his bowels when he stepped into the octagon after the fight last night.
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I think everyone is overestimating Alves a bit. He has strong strikes but he gives up a lot of speed(its pretty evident when he fought Spencer Fisher). GSP is going to be patient and not shoot in whenever his opponent lands a punch, like Hughes or Kos. Alves is going to have problems when GSP comes in and effectively uses his striking to set up the takedown. Once its on the ground i dont think there's a chance of GSP not completely dominating and getting the submission quick.
I think everyone is overestimating Alves a bit. He has strong strikes but he gives up a lot of speed(its pretty evident when he fought Spencer Fisher). GSP is going to be patient and not shoot in whenever his opponent lands a punch, like Hughes or Kos. Alves is going to have problems when GSP comes in and effectively uses his striking to set up the takedown. Once its on the ground i dont think there's a chance of GSP not completely dominating and getting the submission quick.
I think everyone is overestimating Alves a bit. He has strong strikes but he gives up a lot of speed(its pretty evident when he fought Spencer Fisher). GSP is going to be patient and not shoot in whenever his opponent lands a punch, like Hughes or Kos. Alves is going to have problems when GSP comes in and effectively uses his striking to set up the takedown. Once its on the ground i dont think there's a chance of GSP not completely dominating and getting the submission quick.
I really don't think it's that people are overestimating Thiago, or that they think he's that unstoppable, it's just that when you see a guy with Matt Serra's reach and striking ability put him away it's hard not to assume that a much bigger and more profficient striker has the ability to accomplish the same thing.
Like I said, I definitely know that GSP is the better all around fighter. There's no question about that and I think most of the people picking Alves would agree, but his strength is GSP's biggest weakness (not that it's a very big weakness) so you can't discredit the fact that he has a solid chance to do the same thing Serra did. I am still almost definitely going to pick GSP, but I sure wouldn't be surprised if Alves put him away on the feet.
You're right guys; It will most likely come down to whether GSP can take Alves down.
Alves has great take down defense, just watch his fight VS Kos; his sprawl was just amazing.
Alves' muay thai is far superior to GSP striking and i think GSP wont be able to take alves down at will like he does with everyone else. Sure, he'll get a takedown every now and then but not at will.
Alves's striking is superior, hes just as athletic and muscular as GSP and he has great takedown defense.
In the end, I see this being a standup war with Alves winning by either KO or TKO.
You're right guys; It will most likely come down to whether GSP can take Alves down.
Alves has great take down defense, just watch his fight VS Kos; his sprawl was just amazing.
Alves' muay thai is far superior to GSP striking and i think GSP wont be able to take alves down at will like he does with everyone else. Sure, he'll get a takedown every now and then but not at will.
Alves's striking is superior, hes just as athletic and muscular as GSP and he has great takedown defense.
In the end, I see this being a standup war with Alves winning by either KO or TKO.
they also said Kos had the best takedown defense ever until GSP threw him around like a rag doll....
Fellow camp member summed it up for me. I think BJ's only chance to beat GSP was to rush him via Matt Serra style. But he didn't. I do see Alves being able to overpower GSP when in close, and will just overwhelm GSP. I think Alves will be able to finish him with strikes. Thats my opinion, so I dont expect the GSP fans to agree with me. Should be a great fight for sure.
Last edited 2/2/09 8:25PM by rampageownedyou Edit note/reason: n/a
Posted by L-Dahab_8 Alves has great take down defense, just watch his fight VS Kos; his sprawl was just amazing.
His sprawl is amazing, sure, but GSP is a different kind of grappler rather than just freestyle wreslters like Kos and Hughes. GSP combines all aspects of takedowns and control into one strategy that so far no one has been able to stop effectively. He's used freestyle wrestling, judo, and trip takedowns in a way that Alves has never seen before. So there really isn't a comparison between Kos' and GSP's takedowns.
2 fights ago I would have said Alves doesn't stand a chance. Now, I'm not so convinced. If he shoots in for a double or single then Alves can sprawl out on GSP IMO. If he goes with a clinch I think Alves will have answers that BJ for some reason didn't want to use- knees.
In the end I'll for sure go with GSP. He will have a distinct advantage in the cardio department, and as long as he can stay out of trouble in the first and second rounds I don't believe he will face any problems whatsoever from Alves. However, those first two rounds I'd look for Alves to try to get his damage in. Alves can finish in 1 or 2, but GSP can finish in all 5 rounds. That's going to be the big difference maker.
Of course, this is all assuming that Alves actually makes weight I really think the guy is too big for 170.
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Most everyone here is giving Alves way to much credit. Sure he is a huge welterweight, and is a powerful striker, which gives him a chance. But anyone that believes this is a sure win for Alves is just employing wishful thinking and hating on GSP.
I am no "fan" of GSP, I think he is phony and annoying, but the dude is head and shoulders above any welterweight out there. Probably the best all around fighter in the world.
Posted by L-Dahab_8 Alves has great take down defense, just watch his fight VS Kos; his sprawl was just amazing.
His sprawl is amazing, sure, but GSP is a different kind of grappler rather than just freestyle wreslters like Kos and Hughes. GSP combines all aspects of takedowns and control into one strategy that so far no one has been able to stop effectively. He's used freestyle wrestling, judo, and trip takedowns in a way that Alves has never seen before. So there really isn't a comparison between Kos' and GSP's takedowns.
was not talking about Kos taking alves down i was talking how GSP took Kos down... everyone said before that Kos wouldn't be taken down by GSP and he did it with no effort... he will do the same to Alves
Should be a great fight for sure.
I really think the guy is too big for 170.
