GSP says the game has passed by old-timer Hughes

[koobz]

I agree with GSP on this one. It's like Hughes doesn't care anymore. I was an early fan of Matt but as he spoke more, I disliked him more.

[Grammar Cop]

Originally Posted by ronaldvo

Hughes should work on his horrible striking.

Yeah, how do you train with Robbie Lawler and not have any striking ability?

[Temar241]

wow gsp sounded different there... i never really heard him shoot back at somebody like that. normally i feel like he sorta takes the hype bullshit and just throws back respect. haha he definately sounds more badass in this interview, like watever i dont give a shit about matt hughes, he was an easy win anyway. haha GSP is the MAN!!

[shervman]

I like how GSP didn't really say anything bad about Hughes. First he says "It's Matt Hughes, what can I say?"

GSP is probably the nicest guy in MMA right now that still competes at the highest level. I'd say even above Randy Couture.

[Halfway]

Originally Posted by Iosephus

at his best, most pristine he wouldnt get anything done. he wont gnp fitch, he wont outbox him, he wont outmuscle him. he'll be slayed and his blood consumed by swisscakes

It wasn't that long ago that he was the champ. He's been pretty tentative since his first loss to GSP, but I don't think he's finished, I think he's just got CC syndrome.

Hughes doesn't outbox anyone but I think he'd be able to outwrestle Fitch and probably get a UD or possibly a TKO.

Originally Posted by RushBaby

I would have thought that was the case too but lately he's looked so incredibly lackluster it really does seem as though his heart isn't in fighting anymore, which is fine he's made his mark. A motivated Matt Serra could be VERY dangerous and if Hughes slacks off I see him getting beat which I would never have thought was possible.

I think he's been playing it really safe lately. He's not brutal GNPer of the past which really sucks b/c he was great to wach.

[Iosephus]

Originally Posted by RushBaby

I would have thought that was the case too but lately he's looked so incredibly lackluster it really does seem as though his heart isn't in fighting anymore, which is fine he's made his mark. A motivated Matt Serra could be VERY dangerous and if Hughes slacks off I see him getting beat which I would never have thought was possible.

i think people are counting hughes out a little too much. he would still destroy the division, its just that there are better fighters passing him up (alves, fitch, sanchez, kos etc..) i dont think it has much to do with his flame burning out. he'll mop the floor with serra either way, but it'll be a fun fight. i dont know where he goes from there, but his performance will decide if he gets a fight with fitch or the alves/sanchez loser or whatever

[Yurii]

Hopefully Hughes just retires after he beats Matt Serra.

[FC008]

matt is softer now

[Riffmeister11]

Originally Posted by Halfway

I think a game Hughes would be Fitch.

Nah, I respect Matt Hughes as the dominant Champion he was. (In my eyes, he's still the best WW ever) but no, not now. Fitch would stuff Hughes' takedowns and score on standups and takedowns.

[king_pin]

Originally Posted by Iosephus

i think people are counting hughes out a little too much. he would still destroy the division, its just that there are better fighters passing him up (alves, fitch, sanchez, kos etc..) i dont think it has much to do with his flame burning out. he'll mop the floor with serra either way, but it'll be a fun fight. i dont know where he goes from there, but his performance will decide if he gets a fight with fitch or the alves/sanchez loser or whatever

I agree, Hughes would tear through about 75% of the division, but as GSP put it a new breed of fighter is emerging like the fighters you mentioned (alves, fitch, sanchez, kos, and several others).