Matt Hughes or Royce Gracie?

[Westbrook36]

Who you got for tonight?

http://www.paradisewarriorretreat.com/images/mat.jpg

vs.

http://www.onzuka.com/Photos/Royce%20Gracie%20no%20gi.jpg


So you got the guy who started it all vs the most dominant middleweight in history.

I think Hughes is going to beat his ****ing ass. For a few reasons.

1. The first few UFCs were run by the Gracies and were more like a Gracie infomercial then real competitions.

2. Gracie made a name by submitting big guys who never grappled with a Jiu Jitsu fighter before. In today's UFC, everyone knows what he is about and what he will try to do.

3. Hughes is a ****ing beast. He is lighter than Gracie but about 100 times stronger. Gracie has no stand up. All he can hope for is to lay on his back and eventually wish that Hughes makes a mistake.

[H-O-G]

This is SO tough, I follow UFC fighting and man, Matt is pure animal, the best in his division ever, on the other hand Gracie, if you have watched some of the first UFC's from the 90's he is a submitting KING. If he gets you on the ground, 90% chance you will submit and quit the match. In the end I will go with Matt Hughes.

Its so awesome its like $45 on paperview and then my boss called me and invited me over to watch it, so Im excited! I think we will be betting a lot! :)

[cjcdaman]

Never underestimate Gracie, but Hughes will win. He's a beast! The only worry I have is that Gracie will win if Hughes makes a mistake trying to pummell Gracie. I have a feeling we will not see Gracie on top of Hughes when they grapple.

[H-O-G]

If Gracie gets Hughes to the ground, Hughes will just lift him up and slam him into the mat...its unbelievable.

[chaos]

dude im so pissed i have to work tonight so i cant see it...but after thinking about it, matt hughes will beat gracie down... he won't have any chances to grapple a damn thing IMO...its gonnabe a KO with the ref stopping the fight as hughes pummels grcie in the head...plus i don't think gracie can wear his gi...he is powerless w/o that damn gi:cool:

[NoCalMike]

Hughes is obviously the favorite, but people forget Gracie didn't JUST fight in the UFC. He also fought in PRIDE in JAPAN which is, in my opinion, a lot better in quality fighters then UFC. PRIDE has had the all-around fighters that UFC just started obtaining five or so years ago.

If Matt Hughes does go onto beat Royce, I'd loooove to see them find a way to set yup a Hughes/Vanderlai Silva match since Vanderlai has been kicking everyone's ass in PRIDE.

[bpoch]

This is a hard one to call. I've decided to cheer for Hughes though. If/when it goes to the ground; I think the ref is going to stand them up when Gracie is taking his time trying to work for a submission. It's not like the old days where you could stay on the ground for the entire round doing nothing.

I don't think Matt will be able to pick up Gracie and slam him like he likes to do. BJJ is all about leverage so I'll be very impressed if Matt can pick him up and slam him.

It should be a great fight and I can't wait. My martial arts instructor had invited me and some other from class over to watch the fight. I would have gotten to see it for the price of a 12 pack, but his wife just had their 1st kid Thurs so it looks like I'll be buying it for myself tonight.

I'm all ready; I have my Long Island Ice tea, some beer and a pint of Jack Daniels ready to go!!

[Patrick Evidente]

I could care less about the Hughes-Gracie fight. The UFC thinks they can sell out the Staples Center with this main event? A non-title fight?

Now, the Vera-Silva fight is the one to watch. This fight will determine if Vera really is a legit contender for the Heavyweight title or just another fighter who yaps and can't back it up.

[cjcdaman]

I could care less about the Hughes-Gracie fight.

So you do care about it! :silly:

[Patrick Evidente]

So you do care about it! :silly:

Hughes + Gracie = Lay N' Pray match

[cjcdaman]

Hughes + Gracie = Lay N' Pray match

Dude, it's called grappling and it might not be exciting for you . . . but a lot of us love it. Most UFC fights end up on the ground at some point.

[Patrick Evidente]

Dude, it's called grappling and it might not be exciting for you . . . but a lot of us love it. Most UFC fights end up on the ground at some point.

People who follow MMA knows that Hughes is a boring fighter. Just like Sean Sherk. That is a fact. Sure, his slams look cool, but he ain't a striker. Look at Chuck Liddell or Tito Ortiz or Randy Couture, now those are exciting fighters because their opponents will most likely get KTFO'd.

[cjcdaman]

People who follow MMA knows that Hughes is a boring fighter. Just like Sean Sherk. That is a fact. Sure, his slams look cool, but he ain't a striker. Look at Chuck Liddell or Tito Ortiz or Randy Couture, now those are exciting fighters because their opponents will most likely get KTFO'd.

I agree. The Iceman is my favorite, but I still don't consider grappling to be boring. That's where you determine who will win and who will lose. It is very grueling on the ground. Stamina is an absolute plus.

[Joe Sick]

I think Gracie will get the snot beat out of him, his face opened up, but will win because Hughes makes a mistake. All Royce needs is one opening, and its over.

I wish one of my neighbors was getting it. I can't swing it all by myself.

Is there going to be somewhere that has round by round results???

[Sebowski]

People who follow MMA knows that Hughes is a boring fighter. Just like Sean Sherk. That is a fact. Sure, his slams look cool, but he ain't a striker. Look at Chuck Liddell or Tito Ortiz or Randy Couture, now those are exciting fighters because their opponents will most likely get KTFO'd.

Yup. You've been watching for exatly 6 months......

Coutre is a ground and pound pioneer, and Tito never wins fights on his fight. Hughes is exciting (and I hate the F&@^er) because he is always working to stop the fight. Wether it is elbows or sub attempts, he is always working. Just watch his Riggs and GSP fights.

[cjcdaman]

Yup. You've been watching for exatly 6 months......

Coutre is a ground and pound pioneer, and Tito never wins fights on his fight. Hughes is exciting (and I hate the F&@^er) because he is always working to stop the fight. Wether it is elbows or sub attempts, he is always working. Just watch his Riggs and GSP fights.

:applause: I agree. Although I do agree somewhat with the Patrick Evidente somewhat, I just don't see ground fighting as boring.

[Patrick Evidente]

Yup. You've been watching for exatly 6 months......



Wrong. Try again.

Hughes is not exciting like you make him out to be. When he gets on top, he never sits back and pound his opponent. Believe me, UFC fans want to see a knock out more than a submission.

[Sebowski]

Wrong. Try again.

Hughes is not exciting like you make him out to be. When he gets on top, he never sits back and pound his opponent. Believe me, UFC fans want to see a knock out more than a submission.

..and MOST UFC fans are idiots.

I like the ground game when guys are working and trying for subs. What I do find boring is the clinch against the cage. Seems it is being used more and more like a hug in boxing.

[sith lord]

Until Gracie gets beat, my money's on him to win.

[Patrick Evidente]

..and MOST UFC fans are idiots.

I like the ground game when guys are working and trying for subs. What I do find boring is the clinch against the cage. Seems it is being used more and more like a hug in boxing.

Hughes doesn't do a GNP as much as he should. That is why I find him boring. I like to see submissions every now and then too, but this isn't the ADCC, its the UFC.

[ZoEd]

Something all of you are missing is the fact that Royce hasn't been sitting around in Brazil eating twinkies. This brother has been Pride Fighting, you think UFC is exciting watch a little pride fighting and you'll be hooked. This isn't the 90's Royce Gracie that many of you remember, he's well versed in today's MMA. He's only lost one fight to a guy they call the Gracie hunter because he's beaten four Gracies. His name is Sakuraba and until recently he's been all but unstoppable. Hughes has never fought someone with Gracies experience and talent.

Grappling is a huge part of Royce's game but the dude can strike as well. He had to forfeit an early UFC fight because he broke his hand on the guy's head. Don't think he's a one trick pony and can only grapple, that will get some serious knots put on your head. I'm a renaissance man, Gracie will win this fight.

[Extreme]

gracie will whoop his ass. never underestimate a guy because of his age. they had a show on spike tv today showing how gracie has never quit training and fighting, just hasn't been on a big stage. they also said that for the past 6 years, gracie has worked on perfecting standup fighting, which will give him an even bigger advantage over hughes. hughes is a great fighter, but gracie will own his ass, and will leave the octagon with hughes holding on to his pocket.

[SKINtil8tin]

Gracie was the reason I started following the UFC over a decade ago. I thought it was amazing how he would beat men twice his size - consistently. I think I heard Gracie is actually bigger that Hughes in this fight. The man is a legend but I'm not so sure he's going to win against Hughes. I think Hughes is at his peak right now and doesn't look like he's slowing down. The outcome of this highly anticipated fight could send Gracie into retirement.

[ksun247]

Should be a great fight tonite. Hughes has been dominating for quite a bit now, but he's in for a surprise against royce. Gracie wouldn't be coming back to take this fight if he didn't think he could win. Hughes is a monster, but Gracie has made the best tap out before (early UFC) and will do so again. Hughes will make it interesting, but eventually will tap out just like all the rest. Can't wait. :munchout:

[steveo21]

Say hello to Kyra Gracie

http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f9.jpg
http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f13.jpg
http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f10.jpg
http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f6.jpg
http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f7.jpg



http://graciekyra.com/ekyra.htm


Also look for the UFC in the new season of Entourage .

[SKINtil8tin]

I'm sure most guys wouldn't mind "tapping out" to that...assuming she was wearing the fuchsia gi, of course.

[cjcdaman]

**** it. I got money on Hughes. Anyone, anyone???

P.S. Will you take monthly payments if I lose?(which I won't, Hughes is going to tear Gracie a new *******.) :)

[Sebowski]

i can't believe this poll is goint to Gracie. I hope he wins too, but I don't think it will happen. Hughes is too good. If he is focussed the fight won't make it past the 2nd round. I hope Hughes takes Gracie lightly and Gracie catches him.

[cjcdaman]

i can't believe this poll is goint to Gracie. I hope he wins too, but I don't think it will happen. Hughes is too good. If he is focussed the fight won't make it past the 2nd round. I hope Hughes takes Gracie lightly and Gracie catches him.

You wanna know why the poll is majority Gracie? Because that's who the non-fans have heard of. Period.

As for your post, I totally agree that Hughes will win, but I am rooting for Hughes at the same time so I disgaree with your favorite pick.

[Patrick Evidente]

Say hello to Kyra Gracie

http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f9.jpg
http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f13.jpg
http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f10.jpg
http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f6.jpg
http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/53/kyra/pop/f7.jpg



http://graciekyra.com/ekyra.htm


Also look for the UFC in the new season of Entourage .

I wouldn't mind her putting me in a triangle.

[ksun247]

It's OVER. Hughes DESTROYS Gracie. Stopped in 1st round. I was wrong. You all were right. :applause:

http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=2658

[SKINtil8tin]

Wow - I picked Hughes to win but didn't think it'd be so one-sided. Gracie should be retiring for good after this one. He's had a great career.

[warren]

You can watch the fight here if anyones interested...

http://www.mma.tv/TUF/

On the left, just scroll down and click on the "Royce vs Matt video..." link.

[SUNSTONE]

I knew that was going to happen.

Royce didn't have that "eye of the tiger", and he looked like he was just collecting a paycheck.

Some of the other fights were pretty good.
Especially that knee to the jaw.
All I heard was CRACK and he walked away from the fighter without looking back, as to say "yup, he's done!"

[SKINtil8tin]

After watching the fight, Hughes definitely controlled the fight but I'm not so sure Gracie was really done.

[ksun247]

OUCH. Thought Gracie would have made it a better fight. I knew HUGHES had skills, but didn't think it would end like that. CONGRATS to Hughes.

[warren]

After watching the fight, Hughes definitely controlled the fight but I'm not so sure Gracie was really done.

Really? I think I counted 16 straight punches to the head at the end of the fight. Gracie wasn't defending himself...there was no way that could have gone on any longer. I would think Gracie knows enough to protect himself in that situation or be prepared for the fight to be stopped.

[RabidFan]

about half of those punches grazed or missed Royce's head....the damaging first two did the damage...one to the upper head then the under to the jaw under Royce's outstretched arms.....damn I'm pissed....since watching the Ultimate Fighter last season i have just hated Hughes for his cockiness....just like Tito Ortiz and he got his hat handed to him by the Iceman so I hope someone will humble Hughes someday soon.

[warren]

about half of those punches grazed or missed Royce's head....the damaging first two did the damage...one to the upper head then the under to the jaw under Royce's outstretched arms.....damn I'm pissed....since watching the Ultimate Fighter last season i have just hated Hughes for his cockiness....just like Tito Ortiz and he got his hat handed to him by the Iceman so I hope someone will humble Hughes someday soon.

Dont you worry RabidFan....St. Pierre is going to demolish Hughes. And hopefully the card lands up here in Montreal...GSP's home town.

[Painkiller]

No surprise here. Hughes is a beast. Gracie was great in his day, but his time has come and gone.

[Westbrook36]

Dont you worry RabidFan....St. Pierre is going to demolish Hughes. And hopefully the card lands up here in Montreal...GSP's home town.

Yep, just like the first time.

Oops. :laugh:

Man, I haven't seen domination like this is quite awhile. Hughes made Gracie look like some bum off the street. Gracie either has to learn today's game and become well rounded, or retire......just like Hughes said before the fight.

[dreamingwolf]

It didnt even look like Gracie wanted to fight, I was happy though that he didnt enter the ring with that stupid congo line that he used to always do. I just wish Hughes was able to front mount him and really destroy gracies face, but oh well seeing him lose was good enough.

The couple fights after the main event were the best fights of the night, that flying knee was awesome.

[Sebowski]

about half of those punches grazed or missed Royce's head....the damaging first two did the damage...one to the upper head then the under to the jaw under Royce's outstretched arms.....damn I'm pissed....since watching the Ultimate Fighter last season i have just hated Hughes for his cockiness....just like Tito Ortiz and he got his hat handed to him by the Iceman so I hope someone will humble Hughes someday soon.

Go watch Hughes vs. Penn from a couple years ago. You will love it.

[warren]

Yep, just like the first time.

Oops. :laugh:

Man, I haven't seen domination like this is quite awhile. Hughes made Gracie look like some bum off the street. Gracie either has to learn today's game and become well rounded, or retire......just like Hughes said before the fight.


Westbrook, St Pierre was beating Hughes in that fight...and then got caught. I'm just saying, St Pierre has since beat Trigg, Sherk and Penn.....I think he'll be even better this time around. Just for kicks....wanna place a wager on it when it happens? :cheers:

[Westbrook36]

Westbrook, St Pierre was beating Hughes in that fight...and then got caught. I'm just saying, St Pierre has since beat Trigg, Sherk and Penn.....I think he'll be even better this time around. Just for kicks....wanna place a wager on it when it happens? :cheers:

First off, how was he beating Hughes when the thing got stopped like 2 minutes into the first round?

Of course we can place a wager. Fricken 50 year old BJ Penn broke St Pierre open and should have got the decision.

Oh yeah:

http://media.putfile.com/Royce-Gracie-vs-Matt-Hughes-UFC-60

[herrmag]

BJ Penn is the real champ anyways. Hughes is just holding onto it for him. And if Penn ever decides to do a little conditioning, he'll destroy St. Pierre as well.

[Extreme]

i'm gonna go out on a limb and say there will be an unjustified stop to the fight with only half a minute left in the first round. just a guess.

[Westbrook36]

i'm gonna go out on a limb and say there will be an unjustified stop to the fight with only half a minute left in the first round. just a guess.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say you are a moron if you think that was a premature stoppage. Gracie stopped defending himself......the ref was stopping Hughes potentially putting Gracie in a coma. Fist comes down which hits back of head, which is flush against hard surface (mat). Repeat about 16 times without any effort from fighter to stop punishement.

The amount of time on the clock has no bearing on a stoppage.

[warren]

First off, how was he beating Hughes when the thing got stopped like 2 minutes into the first round?

Of course we can place a wager. Fricken 50 year old BJ Penn broke St Pierre open and should have got the decision.

Oh yeah:

http://media.putfile.com/Royce-Gracie-vs-Matt-Hughes-UFC-60

Okay, first off Westbrook, it got stopped with 1 second left in the first round....a round in which he owned. And I love how you mention 50 year old BJ Penn. At least St. Pierre finished and WON the fight. Do you even remember what happened when Penn fought Hughes???

http://www.mmaringreport.com/ufc/ufc46/mainevents/penn_7_l.jpg

[Westbrook36]

Hughes lost a few times in his career, like most fighters do. His losses were years ago when he was mainly a wrestler, ground and pound kind of guy. He wasn't really that well rounded so he got caught occasionally.

In the last few years, he has evolved like no other fighter we have been able to witness. He is pretty much unstoppable.

In what area do you think Pierre or Penn is superior to him? Strength? Ground game? Stand up?

You should answer no to all three questions above.

Both would have a punchers chance against Hughes and nothing more.

[warren]

Hughes lost a few times in his career, like most fighters do. His losses were years ago when he was mainly a wrestler, ground and pound kind of guy. He wasn't really that well rounded so he got caught occasionally.

In the last few years, he has evolved like no other fighter we have been able to witness. He is pretty much unstoppable.

In what area do you think Pierre or Penn is superior to him? Strength? Ground game? Stand up?

You should answer no to all three questions above.

Both would have a punchers chance against Hughes and nothing more.

In my opinion he is the better stiker hands down. But obviously, our opinions on this differ...I'm just glad to have someone to wager with when the time comes. Looking forward to the fight...and the possibility of maybe attending!

[Westbrook36]

:cheers:

I have to admit, GSP has looked dominating....actually on another level, before the Penn fight.

Him vs Hughes will be the fight of the year.

I bet that will be the headliner for UFC 62.

[Patrick Evidente]

Hughes lost a few times in his career, like most fighters do. His losses were years ago when he was mainly a wrestler, ground and pound kind of guy. He wasn't really that well rounded so he got caught occasionally.

In the last few years, he has evolved like no other fighter we have been able to witness. He is pretty much unstoppable.

In what area do you think Pierre or Penn is superior to him? Strength? Ground game? Stand up?

You should answer no to all three questions above.



What the hell are you talking about? Everyone in MMA knows that Penn is a superior striker compared to Hughes.

[Westbrook36]

What the hell are you talking about? Everyone in MMA knows that Penn is a superior striker compared to Hughes.

Everyone knows? I guess we can go back to page 1 and see what credibility you have when it comes to talking about Hughes....

Oh yeah, Staples center sold out as well. :)

[Patrick Evidente]

Everyone knows? I guess we can go back to page 1 and see what credibility you have when it comes to talking about Hughes....
Yeah, Hughes TKO's an aging fighter that should be retired, so now he has superior striking skills as BJ Freakin' Penn.:rolleyes:

Hughes is a good MMA fighter but he ain't a better striker than Penn.


Oh yeah, Staples center sold out as well. :)
Really? There were empty seats at Staples Center when the camera Panned across the arena.

[Extreme]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say you are a moron if you think that was a premature stoppage. Gracie stopped defending himself......the ref was stopping Hughes potentially putting Gracie in a coma. Fist comes down which hits back of head, which is flush against hard surface (mat). Repeat about 16 times without any effort from fighter to stop punishement.

The amount of time on the clock has no bearing on a stoppage.

you obviously haven't witnessed what gracie is capable of, and what kind of beating he can take. he was conscious, had his hands up, and he was getting his ass kicked don't get me wrong, but he could've made it through the round. i'm not saying he'd be able to recover, but you gotts give the guy a chance. it's the first UFC fight i've seen stopped when the guy was still awake with hands up and not bloody. it was a joke, and i feel sory for all the poor bastards that got screwed into paying to watch that. and no name calling a-hole.

[cjcdaman]

i feel sory for all the poor bastards that got screwed into paying to watch that. and no name calling a-hole.

I agreed with the first part of your post. I just thought I would add to this part. Thank God I didn't buy that like I wanted to! It took all of one day for someone to post the fight on here. :D

[Extreme]

I agreed with the first part of your post. I just thought I would add to this part. Thank God I didn't buy that like I wanted to! It took all of one day for someone to post the fight on here. :D

my friend wanted to buy it last night, and i talked him out of it saying we could watch it here in the morning.....we woke up around 10, and sure enough, ES came through.

[SUNSTONE]

about half of those punches grazed or missed Royce's head....the damaging first two did the damage...one to the upper head then the under to the jaw under Royce's outstretched arms.....damn I'm pissed....since watching the Ultimate Fighter last season i have just hated Hughes for his cockiness....just like Tito Ortiz and he got his hat handed to him by the Iceman so I hope someone will humble Hughes someday soon.

Matt pulled those punches, he knew he had him, and he knew John was going to call the fight.
So he didn't want to hurt the man, that's a sign of a true master.

If he didn't pull those punches, Joyce would be dead, literally.

[SUNSTONE]

you obviously haven't witnessed what gracie is capable of, and what kind of beating he can take. he was conscious, had his hands up, and he was getting his ass kicked don't get me wrong, but he could've made it through the round. i'm not saying he'd be able to recover, but you gotts give the guy a chance. it's the first UFC fight i've seen stopped when the guy was still awake with hands up and not bloody. it was a joke, and i feel sory for all the poor bastards that got screwed into paying to watch that. and no name calling a-hole.

That "beat them to a bloody pulp" stuff is in the past.
Now, if you get a real good shot on the guy, the ref will stop the fight. No 10 count, it's "you're done, try again later".

[SUNSTONE]

I think that St. Pierre is the man that will beat Hughs.
He was beating Matt in the fight when Matt busted out the best submission I have ever seen(that spinning arm bar).

St. Pierre is a "true" complete package. Matt isn't a striker on his feet, he is just simply the strongest fighter in his weight class.

[PleaseBlitz]

I dont see Hughes losing for awhile. He has all the tools physically, but more importantly, he's the smartest fighter out there. He's not the greatest striker, but he's the best or nearly the best in every other position.

That fight was NOT stopped prematurely. Gracie could not and was not defending himself. Big Jon McCarthy knows what he is doing. Gracie looked like he wanted that fight stopped.

[cjcdaman]

I dont see Hughes losing for awhile. He has all the tools physically, but more importantly, he's the smartest fighter out there. He's not the greatest striker, but he's the best or nearly the best in every other position.

That fight was NOT stopped prematurely. Gracie could not and was not defending himself. Big Jon McCarthy knows what he is doing. Gracie looked like he wanted that fight stopped.

:applause: Nothing else needed to say.

[Boots]

from what I saw, Gracie was having his *** handed to him. It was a good stoppage by the ref.

[cjcdaman]

from what I saw, Gracie was having his *** handed to him. It was a good stoppage by the ref.

You saw correctly. As much as I wanted the fight to continue(for the simple fact that there was only like 7 seconds left in the round when the ref stopped it), Gracie was getting pummelled. Hughes had TOTAL CONTROL of him. He would use his lower body to sprawl Gracie out and then pound on his head. Like I said, I would have loved for the fight to continue, but it would not have changed anything. Hughes is a beast and da man! I agreed totally with the stoppage.


EDIT: For those who voted for Gracie to win in the poll, please explain your reason whether it be hatred for Matt Hughes, not knowing enough about Hughes, or simply feeling that this legend of the unbeatable Gracie was true.

[Sebowski]

Of course we can place a wager. Fricken 50 year old BJ Penn broke St Pierre open and should have got the decision.


BJ is 27. He was 25 when he beat the crap out of Hughes.

http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterID=1307


And he is a much better striker, defender, and subber. He will beat Hughes again when they fight. Too bad it won't be until October or November.

[Sebowski]

In what area do you think Pierre or Penn is superior to him? Strength? Ground game? Stand up?


Penn has better standup, better ground offense and better ground defense.

[Sebowski]

:cheers:

I have to admit, GSP has looked dominating....actually on another level, before the Penn fight.

Him vs Hughes will be the fight of the year.

I bet that will be the headliner for UFC 62.

Nope. UFC 62 is looking like this:
-Chuck Liddell vs. Renato "Babalu" Sobral
-Karo Parisyan vs. Diego Sanchez
-Sean Sherk vs Sam Stout/Kenny Florian - UFC 155 Title

UFC 63 has Hughes-GSP pencelled in. Which pushes any Penn fight out until November or December. :(

edit to add source: http://www.mmaweekly.com/rumors.asp

[PleaseBlitz]

Penn has better standup, better ground offense and better ground defense.

I totally agree with this post. Hughes is stronger and more opportunistic, meaning he takes what is given and finds ways to hurt you. Case in point the armlock he put on Gracie. He was on top, and instead of going for a punch or a choke that he probably couldnt have gotten over on Royce, so he goes with what he can get. And guess what, something broke in there and the fight was over after that.

[Chris Lamb]

EDIT: For those who voted for Gracie to win in the poll, please explain your reason whether it be hatred for Matt Hughes, not knowing enough about Hughes, or simply feeling that this legend of the unbeatable Gracie was true.

I voted Gracie and even after watching the fight, I still think he could have won. Gracie can take a whoopin. I watched him take one all the way through a fight to wear the other guy down and then he pounced on him and submitted him. I do not deny Matt Hughes of being one of the most talented and well rounded fighters in all of mma, but I still feel Gracie was biding time. If Big John would have let the round finish then we would all know. I am a Hughes fan but I called it like I saw it and I was wrong by technicality. With that said, Gracie should retire for good now.

[cjcdaman]

I voted Gracie and even after watching the fight, I still think he could have won. Gracie can take a whoopin. I watched him take one all the way through a fight to wear the other guy down and then he pounced on him and submitted him. I do not deny Matt Hughes of being one of the most talented and well rounded fighters in all of mma, but I still feel Gracie was biding time. If Big John would have let the round finish then we would all know. I am a Hughes fan but I called it like I saw it and I was wrong by technicality. With that said, Gracie should retire for good now.


Terrific post and I agree that Gracie could have came back from the beating he was taking. But, let me ask you a question. Referring to when Hughes was on Gracie's back, Hughes had him sprawled out. Hughes laid him out whenever he wanted to by using his lower body, which in turn made Gracie defenseless. Any other fight(you have to admit), you would have agreed with the stoppage. Gracie was in such a vulnerable position. It was a good stoppage. UFC is brutal, but they don't want a man getting killed in the Octagon.

[Chris Lamb]

Gracie was in such a vulnerable position. It was a good stoppage. UFC is brutal, but they don't want a man getting killed in the Octagon.

Very true. Had Matt Hughes turned up the heat on those punches any more and they may have needed a stretcher. It was a good call by the ref. Less intersting yes but a good call.

[warren]

For those looking forward to the Hughes / St Pierre fight...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNdp8WmOAK0

[SUNSTONE]

I definitly got George this time. In my mind he was clearly winning that round when Matt busted out the greatest submission ever.

George has phenomanol take down defense, and from what I can tell they both are even on the ground.
But the difference is George is a far better stand up fighter, and that's why I think George would make a better champion.

[PleaseBlitz]

Man, i would love to say i think St Pierre will win this fight. Frenchy is unbelievably talented, but I just think Hughes finds a way to win like he usually does.

I wanna see another St Pierre/Mayhem Miller fight.