"I think he's (Thiago's) a slow starter, he's young. I can put him in some bad spots where he might not know what to do. This is the main event, his mind will be racing.
If I get Thiago down, he'll stay down. I'm hoping to take him down and wear him out before he even gets started. I'm the 9 time World Champion; he's the guy trying to make a name for himself."
-- Matt Hughes breaks down his fight with Thiago Alves at UFC 85: BEDLAM
*edit - I messed up the thread title nicely.*
im not betting against Hughes....I dont think hes lost a step...he just ran into GSP
I think even if he lost a step he is to much for Thiago and a bad style matchup.
I definitely think that what Hughes states isn't out of the question. And if Thiago does get up a couple times, Hughes will get more TDs and win with GNP.
Interesting fight.
I thought Thiago showed some decent takedown defense against Fitch. I think Hughes should rightfully be a favourite
But i wouldnt be shocked if Thiago was stopping the takedowns and punishing Hughes on the feet
I think Hughes will get the GNP stop.
Someone explain to me how he is a 9 time world champion.
Hughes will have alot more trouble with Thiago than he thinks he will
Diego stole my name - I thought Thiago showed some decent takedown defense against Fitch. I think Hughes should rightfully be a favourite
Really? After seeing that fight after someone posted it on the board yesterday, Fitch took Alves down pretty much at will, pretty easily, and beat Alves badly with some nice GNP. Thiago has improved, for sure, and looked great against Karo, but I wonder if Hughes TDs and GNP will be too much.
After running into GSP this fight will give us more of a guage if Hughes actually has lost a step...
majikman - Hughes will have alot more trouble with Thiago than he thinks he will
I agree. I think Hughes underestimates Thiago's TD defense and his standup.