- Joined
- Jun 1, 2002
- Messages
- 19,773
- Reaction score
- 9,105
Many have noted that the new, bulkier GSP looks a bit slow and soft in recent footage. It makes good sense he would be less lean and quick, however:
1) People tend to forget he tore his ACL again right after he retired. This makes two ACL injuries, which naturally suggests his knees have sustained damage.
2) He is going up a weight class.
3) He is three years older at 35, and has been out of it for three years.
Now, Georges is very strong and with the added muscle he might be stronger than before. But people tend to forget that his major offensive and defensive weapon, which is the double leg, was so effective because of the amazing explosiveness and speed with which he reacted with excellent momentum in a blink. Georges isn't an upper body takedown wrestler; he relies on his shot to neutralize his opponents from top position with control and great jitz.
With this speed diminished due to added weight and weaker knees, even if he is physically stronger, he won't be able to successfully close the distance and counter with the takedown as effectively. With that said, it is doubtful that Georges can sustain a long stand up war with Bisping. The latter is larger, much more fluid with his combos, and durable as hell. Georges is not going to knock Bisping out like Henderson, or overwhelm physically him ala Rockhold. He has neither the power or size.
With that said, I am expecting him to lean down a bit in the pending 22 or so days before the fight. He will be leaner come weigh in, and look better than now come fight night. Recent footage might have been collected a few weeks ago as well, and every day counts for weight loss-cutting.
But this is shaping up to be a very steep battle with Bisping.
1) People tend to forget he tore his ACL again right after he retired. This makes two ACL injuries, which naturally suggests his knees have sustained damage.
2) He is going up a weight class.
3) He is three years older at 35, and has been out of it for three years.
Now, Georges is very strong and with the added muscle he might be stronger than before. But people tend to forget that his major offensive and defensive weapon, which is the double leg, was so effective because of the amazing explosiveness and speed with which he reacted with excellent momentum in a blink. Georges isn't an upper body takedown wrestler; he relies on his shot to neutralize his opponents from top position with control and great jitz.
With this speed diminished due to added weight and weaker knees, even if he is physically stronger, he won't be able to successfully close the distance and counter with the takedown as effectively. With that said, it is doubtful that Georges can sustain a long stand up war with Bisping. The latter is larger, much more fluid with his combos, and durable as hell. Georges is not going to knock Bisping out like Henderson, or overwhelm physically him ala Rockhold. He has neither the power or size.
With that said, I am expecting him to lean down a bit in the pending 22 or so days before the fight. He will be leaner come weigh in, and look better than now come fight night. Recent footage might have been collected a few weeks ago as well, and every day counts for weight loss-cutting.
But this is shaping up to be a very steep battle with Bisping.