Comments on: UFC 82: Highlights from Post-Fight Press Conference; Silva receives $120,000 in bonuses; UFC does $2.2 million at the gate; and more!

By: Mike Wolfe

Mike Wolfe — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:40:33 +0000

Maybe the answer to the question about best P4P is who could move up and fight competitively. Could GSP fight competitively at 185? Doubt he could take Franklin, and Silva’s beaten him twice. Silva’s already proven he can fight up, because he just beat Henderson, who fought competitively at 205 with Rampage. Gotta go with Silva on this one.

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By: Sergio

Sergio — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:34:33 +0000

“Sergio, Serra was 4 years ago? Gimme a break.”

I’m referencing his first fight with Hughes, which you’re using as basis for your inconsistency argument.

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By: JacRabbit

JacRabbit — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:10:28 +0000

…and I think a fight between GSP and Silva would be ridiculous. There would likely be a significant strength and size difference.

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By: JacRabbit

JacRabbit — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:09:10 +0000

WOW–I cant help but to comment even before I continue reading the rest of these comments… I personally have to agree that GSP ranks slightly above Anderson in P4P ranking. I ENTIRELY agree with Sam on this one. You guys completely miss his point that GSP PHYSICALLY (not mentally) has no gaps in his game. Mentally, Silva has an advantage on GSP he. GSP’s only real apparent weakness is him psyching himself before a fight. He psyched himself out before his first fight with Hughes (couldn’t even look him in the eyes in the stare-down), came back focused and conquered. He underestimated Serra the first time and I dont think many will disagree a focused GSP will completely steamroll Serra. The “glass-chin” comment was ridiculous, did you seriously watched the GSP vs. Serra fight?

Lets not forget how stacked the WW devision is as compared to MW… And though I do agree Hendo is something serious, both of Hendo’s appearances thus far in the UFC have been lack luster. He didn’t look all that great against Rampage, and I was extremely disappointed in his defense of the rear naked choke by Silva. Both hands were free–the choke first landed on his chin, he didn’t make ANY attempt to disrupt it… I agree that Hendo was definitely the person that even I expected to take advantage of Silva’s lacking take-down defense (as did Lutter), but lets face it, he choked (no pun intended). I just can’t agree that this victory provides the cement. Unless Serra is able to upset GSP this time around, he will still remain in the #1 spot.

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By: Max

Max — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:38:43 +0000

A fight between Silva and GSP would not be a dream fight in MMA, because there’s an obvious winner and that’s Silva.

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By: Max

Max — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:34:11 +0000

I can not believe that you guys would even put GSP in top ten P4P fighters. Are you judging him for successful fights or his potential? His victory over Hughes was predictable; Hughes is over the hill and overrated. GSP did not beat Penn. GSP victory over Shrek I mean Sherk was predictable as well. Who really thinks GSP would beat Silva? You have to be kidding me

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By: Zane

Zane — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:16:53 +0000

Sergio, Serra was 4 years ago? Gimme a break.

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By: Echolocating

Echolocating — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:57:48 +0000

I think we’re just talking about professional (elite level) athletes, ctownhood.

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By: ctownhood

ctownhood — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:31:43 +0000

I think the whole P4P argument is a little overrated. I mean, is a 14 yr old pitcher in Little League who can’t be hit the best P4P pitcher in the world? You have to compare apples to apples in sports, and MMA is no different. My son dominates the other judokas in his class, but I am pretty sure he is not the best P4P in the world

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By: Sergio

Sergio — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:01:38 +0000

Re: Zane

Childish all-caps response aside…

I *did* read what you wrote and while it seems like you read what I wrote, it doesn’t sound like you understood it.

Again, to reiterate, I AGREE that Silva is the #1 P4P fighter *over* GSP and not once did you compare GSP’s consistency to Silva’s. You only made the blanket statement that GSP was inconsistent.

If you’re going to use a loss GSP suffered almost 4 years ago as a sign of “inconsistency,” why not do the same for Silva’s loss to Takase?

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By: cyphron

cyphron — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:37:04 +0000

Silva also has an impressive win over Henderson while GSP has an impressive win over Penn

I beg to differ. Silva has an impressive win over Henderson while GSP has a NOT so impressive win over Penn. Some people would claim that Penn actually won. The punishment Penn dealt was far more than GSP’s controlling wrestling. Under Pride’s judging criteria, Penn would’ve won outright.

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By: Jackyl

Jackyl — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:29:12 +0000

So I guess it’s pretty clear. Someone needs to let Dana and Joe Silva know. WE WANT ANDERSON SILVA VS GEORGES ST PIERRE. It has to happen. Those are the two top pound for pound fighters, and a big plus is they actually have a realistic chance of fighting each other. Unlike some other so called top pound for pound matchups(cough, RandyFedor, cough). So since it’s possible, let’s see it happen. Silva vs GSP is an MMA fan’s dream fight. If Joe Rogan is out there, he needs to start making some noise for it. Sam! I know you have a few ears you can whisper into.

Speaking of Fedor. I have read recently that M-1 Global is having a lot of trouble negotiating with him. Dana White expressed some of these same problems. Crazy Russians as he says. I truly think that if Fedor cared about fighting the best in the world, he would have made the concessions the UFC wanted him to make, and made the contract happen. It’s common knowledge they were offering a lot of money. Hell, it was enough money to totally piss Randy off. Maybe that money went to Lesnar…… Anyway as a closing thought: It’s clear that Fedor is a warrior and he loves to fight, but he doesn’t care about proving that he is the best.

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By: Zane

Zane — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:55:21 +0000

He is 2-2 in title fights, that is not consistency. If you actually read what I wrote I said in fights with little pressure GSP is about as good as it gets, but for some reason when the stakes are raised he doesn’t show consistency. Silva has never even been close to losing a fight, or even been close to being in trouble. Plus, do you consider a no title implication fight too hold more weight in your ranking process than a title or a top contender fight? I doubt it. SO YES GSP IS INCONSISTENT COMPARED TO ANDERSON SILVA IN TERMS OF OCTAGON PERFORMANCE.

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By: Sergio

Sergio — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:24:30 +0000

“But are you absolutely sure that Silva’s lack of wrestling is a bigger disability than GSP’s inconsistency and chin?”

No way GSP inconsistent.

In between his losses to Hughes to Serra, he beat Mayhem, Trigg, Sherk, Penn, and Hughes.

He gets a fluke KO loss on his record and he’s suddenly inconsistent?

Don’t get me wrong, I agree that Silva beats out GSP for #1 P4P because of that loss but to label him inconsistent is crazy.

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By: Zane

Zane — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:48:11 +0000

And btw, I have still not recieved my Frank Mir memorabilia from the contest, I was wondering if there was a way I could track it? Some of the other winners said they got their stuff 2 weeks ago so I am assuming something wwnt wrong, any info would help.

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By: Zane

Zane — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:45:37 +0000

Sam, How so? Well lets break it down. GSP and Silva are both champions obviously, Silva has 4 title defenses to GSP’s 0. Anderson Silva is 6-0 in the UFC compared to GSP at 10-2, all of their wins have been over very very quality opponents. The difference in my mind is that all of Silva’s wins except for Leben, were main events with an enormous amount of pressure. The measure of a champion in my mind rests heavily upon the ability to perform under pressure, which Silva has demonstarted time and time again without faltering, compared to GSP who is 2-2 in main event fights. But are you absolutely sure that Silva’s lack of wrestling is a bigger disability than GSP’s inconsistency and chin?

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By: Max

Max — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:35:52 +0000

Physically, I can find no weakness in GSP’s game, except for he loses time and time again. If GSP has such a solid game, he would be more consistent like ANDERSON SILVA. You must be absolutely crazy to place GSP as the number one P4P fighter. GSP lost to Matt Serra and my opinion he lost to BJ Penn, as well. You guys must just be infatuated with GSP. But for those who do not know Anderson Silva, the number one P4P fighter in the world, let me brief you. Silva last real lost came in December 31, 2004 against Ryo Chonan. Silva was thoroughly giving this guy a @SS whipping, but some way and some how, in a desperation move, Chonan comes in with a flying scissor/heel lock; which, by the grace of GOD, connected. WTF!!!! The move looks like it come straight out of the movies and Anderson Silva tapped. In January 2006, Anderson faced off with Yushin Okami, who he KNOCKED OUT, with an up-kicked to Okami’s delicate face from his back. Silva was disqualified because 1. Okami could no longer continue and 2. Okami was on his grounded (on his knees) when he received the kick. Silva is unbelievably strong, quick, and technical. To simply put it, Silva’s fight game is flawless. Silva first encounter with Rich Franklin, he threw Franklin around the ring like a rag doll. Even Franklin commented on Silva’s strength. He stated that he felt like he was in the ring with Tim Sylvia. Franklin, who used to fight in the light heavy weight division and is bigger than Henderson, was no match for Silva, both times. Muscle mass isn’t the only determining factor of a person’s strength. Honestly, if the, fight with Silva and Henderson continued standing, Henderson would have been knocked out. By the time the bell sounded for the second round to begin, Dan Henderson was already gassed (if you don’t believe me, just take a look at the fight). I have to give it to the UFC for doing their best to create a buzz about the Silva and Henderson bout, knowing damn well that Silva would win. UFC stated that Henderson would be stronger, stylistically a bad match up, and Silva’s toughest challenge; all of which were lies to sell more tickets and pay-per-view. UFC also reminded us all that Henderson has never been knocked out and conveniently forgot to tell us neither has Silva. A true MMA Critic, not a fan, could have predicted this fight, I digress. Anyway back to GSP. I like him as a fighter, but honestly he wouldn’t even be in my top 10 pound for pound. If GSP is the epitome of what a mix martial artist, then why did he loses twice after having the belt. The man can’t even defend the title. Comparing him to Silva is ludicrous; everything that GSP is known for Silva does it ten times better. If you still think GSP is better that Anderson Silva, remember this; Silva is thinking about moving down to welterweight division. Man do I feel sorry for those guys in that division.

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By: Binsu

Binsu — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:41:19 +0000

I agree with Zane. It’s not about physical ability but what you’ve actually accomplished. Looking at their fights in and of themselves, Silva has been more dominant than GSP.

Also, have we really had a chance to see Silva’s submissions from top? He’s not in that position that often as far as I can remember.

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By: Sam Caplan

Sam Caplan — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:26:46 +0000

“Silva has absolutely accomplished more than him.”

How so? Both have held titles in their weight class and both multiple wins over their top competitors (Franklin and Hughes). Silva also has an impressive win over Henderson while GSP has an impressive win over Penn. Should we penalize GSP because there was a 170 lbs. title in PRIDE for him to win through a unification match?

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By: Derek B.

Derek B. — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:11:32 +0000

Fedor is number pound for pound fighter.

He’s not only MMA Heavy weight champion…but also Sambo Champion.

Silva is just ufc middle weight champion.

Only one way to find out….Silva vs. Fedor

mark my words here.. Silva will not hold on to the title for another year.

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