I got to admit, I was rooting for GSP because BJ is a bit too cocky for me - but I have mad respect for his skills.
What I don't get - is why bang it out the whole time? Esp when GSP is getting takedowns and at least a bit of time on top.
I think BJ beat BJ in this fight. GSP was on his heels in the first round. BJ has mad skills on the ground and I just don't understand him not mixing it up. I have watched the fight a few times now and watched Gomi/BJ again once too. With his rock solid GnP and incredible ability to get the back he can end a fight at any time on the ground. In fact, I think he had a greater edge on the ground then he did on the feet if he took the initiative.
I hate to say it, but I think GSP won by wit and heart. BJ got outsmarted and outwilled, end of story.
I don't think GSP really kept BJ down that well at all. BJ's natural talent is simply amazing - I just think he suffered from a bit of the "Rizzo effect" he started coasting and that doesn't win fights regardless of your talent.
He didn't need to Lay and Pray, he needed to keep the tempo and mix it up. GSP was obviously terrified of the shoot in RD 1, but when BJ made it clear he was just wanting to trade GSP got comfortable and got rythm.
apart from the eye poke and nose flick the standup was quite even, bj had the stronger punches but gsp landed about 9 million kicks.
I don't think there was anything even about RD 1.
GSP was scoring blows for points and BJ was doing some serious damage. BJ was totally pressing and GSP was completely on his heels.
virtually every kick GSP tried was checked. virtually every punch gsp threw missed.
bj landed almost at will.
gsp will be a great champ though.