I have to admit, I ate crow for believing that Alves could keep it on his feet long enough to exploit an advantage on his feet. Not only did he not have an advantage on his feet, he failed to connect a good strike for all 5 rounds. His striking was very sloppy. GSP looked to use his karate to keep a good distance while he was able to keep Alves honest.
PJ was correct that GSP's riddle is trying to strike while worrying about being taken down by him. Thats how he got 90 percent of his td's. GSP did get swept, however, there was little sense of urgency from the challenger.
I really felt this young pup was hungry and would have had a better game plan. Again, I did not see a muay tai champion in the cage. I saw a tentative fighter who was more concerned with not being taken down the whole fight.
PJ, I offered a sig bet, and I will own up to it.
As for this GSP talk with going up to middleweight. I believe the answer lies in his own camp. If he is able to handle to Marquart, he is capable of competing with the Spider. But I believe he would be overpowered and overmatched by his teammate. Anybody who has any inside intel may be able to settle this.
