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Post by Shon Maxx on Apr 9, 2006 7:03:56 GMT -5
I was watching the UFC marathon last night, and they showed, in one of the past events, Dana White announcing that, in May, Matt Hughes would be facing former UFC Champion Royce Gracie.
I find this match very interesting. Yes, Gracie hasn't wrestled in years, but he's still in very good shape, and I'm sure he can still be death when grappling. I remember watching him win the first few UFC's ad how he completely dominated just about everyone he fought.
Hughes, on the other hand, is also a deadly grappler. He's got youth and power on his side, and he's also very dominant.
I'm honestly hoping it doesn't turn out to be a slaughter, either way. I'm just hoping to see a long and brutal battle with a clear winner (and hopefully not by decision).
Any other thoughts on this match-up?
Take care,
Jay
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Post by LWPD on Apr 9, 2006 7:34:41 GMT -5
Royce Gracie was a pioneer and helped to develop UFC from a marketing gimmick (Rorion Gracie initially crafted the concept as a way to market his family's art) and 'blood spectacle' (the financial backer was shameless in his advertising and did long term damage with his approach) into a spectacle that caught the eye of a new generation of fans from _NOTHING_ who were able to see beyond the hype and into the underlying substance. Royce made that possible.
While with time others have learned the techniques and fundamentals of Gracie Jiu Jitsu and have come to develop more advanced all around skills...those who have come to display the innovation, heart and determination of Royce have been few and far between.
The knock on Royce is that the skill set that made him successful in the past was successful largely because it was unknown at the time and it has now been studied and countered by superior athletes who in turn have become superior fighters. Realistically he can't takedown Matt Hughes...he has poor stand up skills and won't fair well in an exchange on his feet...and it's highly unlikely that he will be able to 'control the Octagon' and dictate the pacing of the fight. Factor in that time limits and a round system are anathema to his methodical style and it's easy to see how the environment he is competing under is completely different from that of the original UFC's he dominated.
He deserves respect but may be in a bit over his head here.
Like Watching Paint Dry (while it's true that the skill level of today's cross trained MMA Fighters are light years ahead of those from the early UFC...if not for Royce Gracie the template of 'what is proven to work' as the basis of where to make improvements would never have been so clearly established)
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Post by Darth Turkish on Apr 9, 2006 9:49:30 GMT -5
I completely agree, LWPD, but the one thing that holds me from saying "Hughes easliy by GnP or decision" is that Royce is very good on capitalizing on the mistakes that Hughes tends to make (giving his back, head up instead of down)
Hughes is my second favorite fighter, and I have watched nad rewached several of his fights. He reverts to a wrestler at times, especially when in trouble. And that, in my eyes, gives Royce a better chance than most are giving him.
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Post by Knapik on Apr 9, 2006 11:47:05 GMT -5
I agree with you Turkish. There is a very, very good chance Hughes will pound Gracie to a finish, but I wouldn't count Royce out completely. In my mind, Hughes should keep it standing so Gracie doesn't have a chance to do anything. Hughes's subs have been great lately, so I'll assume his defense has also.... maybe he'll be untouchable on his feet or on the ground?
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IPPON!!