You're right, we shouldn't compare competition at LHW today vs 10 years ago because LHW was much better when pride was going. LHW is one of the worst divisions int he sport right now lmao.
Rampage, Wand, Chuck, Randy, Hendo, Vitor, Tito, Lil Nog, Shogun, Forrest....that's much deeper than the division currently is
Rampage was on his decline when was in the UFC, so i'm not sure why you'd mention him losing to Bader/Forrest. The only guys that peak Rampage lost against were prime Wand and prime Shogun.
And Chuck started getting KO'd left and right when he got old and been fighting for a long time and is chin was shot. I personally think Chuck is overrated as hell, but he definitely would present some problems for Cormier. The fact that you won't even acknowledge is telling.
Rampage is more athletic and stronger than Gus. Has much more power. Gus ran from Cormier lol. Cormier's striking is not great. Rampage, Chuck, Wand, Shogun were all better strikers than Cormier is at their peaks.
Big names do not equal level.
Sport is evolving, so are athletes.
Rampage was 30 when he lost to Forrest, 32 when lost to Eashad and 33 when he
got demolished by very young Jones.
And Chuck didn't fight the best PRide guys, two big names he beat were
Randy, 2-1 and Tito. Ok and Vitor on short notice. Others were mediocre fighters
and best were in Pride.
Of course he could present problems for DC, but let's be real.
Wrestling - if Rampage took Chcuk down, Dc could also.
Chuck hit hard, but if Rumble could not KO DC, i doubt he could.
Rampage is stronger in wrestling and hits harder, but Gus is much better conditioned,
has great cardio for 5 rounds and is much more well rounded in all disciplines.
Rampage has shitty BJJ can't kick and rarely could check a low kick.
And nowhere did i tell that DC's striking is great.
His forte is wrestling, GNP and clinch + dirty boxing.
Plus great strengh on par with HW.
His striking is ok.
But Gus didn't "run", he used his reach and footwork.
It would be stupid to stand and trade with DC.
Actually he used great footwork and striking in Jones, DC, Thiago Silva and Shogun fights.
Also it's not right to rate low his win over Glover. Glover is an elite fighter which
went on ridiculous win streak and fought for LHW title.