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The thing about actual accomplishments is that its proof of someones skills in actual fights. I might think my cousin Vinny is the most skilled 170 pound MMA fighter ever, but without the actual victories my opinion isn't likely to convince anyone.
When two guys directly compete against each other deciding who is better is objective: its the one who wins. Serra was better than GSP in their first fight, GSP was better than him in their second fight. Comparing two guys who never competed against each other is largely subjective, and the answer is always: the guy I liked more is or was better. That's why things like actual in cage record are useful.
Records, top wins, title defenses, etc. are not reliable to predict fights. Eg. Silva vs. Weidman.
I think Usman beats GSP simply because he has the style to beat him. He's bigger, most likely stronger, has a better TDD, great wrestling, he's very athletic and has very dangerous hands. I think he can neutralize GSP's wrestling, put him on his back like Koscheck did, and hurt him or drop him like Serra, Condit, Hendricks did.
It's just a combo of skill and athleticism GSP was never close to facing.