GSP VS. SHIELDS ; Boring fight?...

[boxingfan03]

Hi,

So I'm a huge fan of GSP, and watched his fight against Jake Shields.

Personnaly, I think it was a good fight even though there was not lots of action. I'm telling myself ''they're not going fight to death''.

But, seriously, I believe I think like that just because I'm a big fan of GSP and I can't have a negative opinion about him. Plus, he comes from the same city as me and I like the fact that he represents this place.

Now, since I can't have a negative opinion about GSP, I'd like to know what do you all think about this fight. Jake Shields fans, or whatever. People who are not necessarely fans of one of these two. What do you think about this fight? I'd like to know opinions from anybody and any point of view.

PS : My english really sucks. Sorry, hope you understand

[Devil]

I thought GSP did exactly what he had to do.

I have a hunch GSP will take a loss in the near future. It won't be because he gets beaten by a better fighter. It will be because he'll eventually cave to the pressure to finish fights in a spectacular fashion. He'll take unnecessary risks to finish, make a mistake, and get knocked out or submitted.

He has the ability to completely dominate anyone in his weight class. I think he should continue to fight smart and take the least amount of damage possible. There are plenty of brawlers in MMA. I appreciate GSP's smart tactics and gameplanning.

His eye was obviously a huge factor in the fight. He started the fight pretty aggresively and was completely schooling Shields. When he lost vision in his eye, you could immediately see him change his approach. He shifted into "Play it safe and make sure I outpoint him" mode. That was the right thing to do in that situation.

[Hiro Protagonist]

I have said for the longest time that a fighter like Shields is even bad for the sport; and I have said too that I think GSP is overrated.

The question is, really, would you pay 45 $ to see another GSP decision?

I wouldn't.

I would rather save my money for a card with more exciting fighters. Jose Aldo, Nick Diaz, BJ Penn. Whoever doesn't fail to perform, basically.

And failing to performm is what GSP has been doing for the last couple of fights, for much champion that he is.

[Tranquil Suit]

Oh pfft, you complain too much. GSP is there to win, not to entertain. Let's not forget that.

That said, GSP's overly cautious decision wins WILL cost him against a very offensive opponent, like say ANDERSON SILVA.

[tao.jonez]

I have said for the longest time that a fighter like Shields is even bad for the sport; and I have said too that I think GSP is overrated.

The question is, really, would you pay 45 $ to see another GSP decision?

I wouldn't.

I would rather save my money for a card with more exciting fighters. Jose Aldo, Nick Diaz, BJ Penn. Whoever doesn't fail to perform, basically.

And failing to performm is what GSP has been doing for the last couple of fights, for much champion that he is.

GSP/Shields wasn't the main draw for longer term fight fans, at least it wasn't for me. Over here there was a huge campaign (for MMA that is) boosting Shields' reputation. I've never seen such a well-produced commercial, and the sellout crowd plus the PPV buys seemed to make it worthwhile commercially.

From a fight perspective, I was much more excited about Aldo and Diaz, plus Couture/Machida, Ben Henderson and Matyushenko. I had a fair guess of how the "headline" was going to go, but the overall card was pretty stacked in my book. Totally worth the $.

I agree that GSP is sometimes boring to watch, but he still behaves like a champ overall. Respectful, humble, and a winner, if not a finisher.

[Devil]

That card was SO worth the money.

[Neo Sigma]

GSP is there to win, not to entertain.

Not as long as they're fighting in front of crowds whose ticket sales and PPV buys are paying their salaries.

I think a scenario like the first Serra fight is the most likely way GSP will lose. Fighting cautiously while trying to minimize risk is more likely to let a fight go all 5 rounds, and letting it go all the way leaves a chance for something like that to happen again. The eye injury is a perfect example. Obviously that doesn't happen all the time, and people aren't trying to do it on purpose, but you never know what's going to happen and when.

[devilboy7778]

The thing that annoys the shit out of me with GSP is when u KNOW that someone just got rocked, and he KNOWS he just rocked someone u can see him just wait for him to get better, thats bullshit.

[Tranquil Suit]

...but he still behaves like a champ overall. Respectful, humble, and a winner, if not a finisher.

Since when are 'respectful' and 'humble' marks of a champion?
Discipline, perseverance, and rising above adversity. Yes. But respectful and humble? Meh

[tao.jonez]

As opposed to Anderson Silva who taunts people as he beats them up. I was referring to the public perception of GSP outside and inside the ring. You know the "martial artist as opposed to the fighter".
No putting any value on it myself. I actually like the Diaz boys because of their attitude. But I think GSP has that wholesome granola thing that's good for MMA in the court of public perception.

[Tranquil Suit]

Yes Silva is awesome and has all the marks of a true champion.
I'm just saying that a champion doesn't have to be grandma friendly.

[alex]

Oh pfft, you complain too much. GSP is there to win, not to entertain. Let's not forget that.

oh fuck off. no fighter worth his shit is there just to win. the whole thing is an entertainment sport, if you aren't there to both win AND entertain, you're in the wrong business.

[Tranquil Suit]

I thought this was professional sport, not professional entertainment.

In comparison, look at every other sport. Is entertainment a priority of the players there?

[alex]

yes? if they want people to watch it is anyway. hence why nobody watches bowls.

[Tranquil Suit]

Oh great choice, asshole. What about tennis? Or basketball? Everyone watches that. I mean I don't, but hey it's popular.