You're entitled to your opinion and didn't look good in fight cause he had a freekn broken eye socket 45 seconds in.Even the elite would look for a way out. In his prime now and I like to reference weidman fight as he continues to evolve.tds vs elite grappler s only weakness but now how he defends and gets right the fuck up has done a 180.The larger elite wrestler/grappler had nothing for Gegard .Weidman had moose in full mount in 2nd - Gegard have him his back, neck and got right up and then just put it on Chris.Weidman had been able to stand and keep distance with everyone he fought....until Mousasi.I never saw Chris get hurt standing while backpedaling (Romero was a one knee shot- game over).Mousasi s chin and pressure was too much.This is where (just my opinion) Gegard has evolved to that point.I think he beats Carvalho (who s no joke-he'd be top 5-6 in ufc) and I think Whitaker, stylistically, a great fight for Gegard.
Just my opinion and people could definitely accuse me of a bias so time will tell. Remember this guy is only 32 and has been fighting for 14 years- 12 years as an elite status....including undefeated at heavyweight (open weight including win over hunt) undefeated at K1....including a 15 minute pasting of the - at the time current heavyweight champ Kyotaro .
Also been championed every where he's fought outside UFC and he was well on his way before leaving (12-3 under zuffa banner and 9-3 UFC ***a successful run in UFC as he fought out his last contract to a 7-1 record , including a 5 fight stoppage streak)
Come up with another mmartist with those credentials who s IN THEIR PRIME NOW.