So an interesting thing I thought about was the fact that Jon Jones has not finished his last 4 LHW opponents (disregarding Chael and Vitor). Obviously it's because those last 4 are very big, strong amazingly skilled guys, all fighting in both their prime and their best fight camp ever to prepare for their respective title shots. I think this will continue. Yet, Jones is obviously a finisher, at least still in my eyes. I could never forget the way he destroyed people up to 2011, where he finished Machida in devastating fashion. And he did not have to finish Cormier in order to cement his p4p status - he only had to win! He is simply the best.
So why was Anderson Silva the best? What exactly makes him better than GSP? Because he's bigger and would probably win at MW? That's not what p4p is about. Because he finishes his opponents? Or was he simply the best fighter in more people's eyes than not.
In my eyes, I would have never thought of discrediting GSP in any way if it weren't for other's criticisms. Maybe that was just media? An interesting thing to remember is that the majority of men in general are around the 155/170 pound range. There are greater chances of having more freak athletes who can hang with the best. Even though, in theory, it should be easier to dominate at higher weight classes since there is smaller % chance of Jones/Gustafson type guys popping around, you still have to fight more conservatively since the power of the fighters are more dangerous. This means that different weight classes have different ways of fighting, and could support the argument that it is impossible and pointless to determine p4p. But that is a different subject. I thought GSP was p4p best because he is the best in his division in both technique and strength; something that isn't always the case in champions. Jon Jones could continue to fight the way he fights, not finish tough, big dudes, and possibly have boring rounds/fights, yet I doubt he will ever be demoted for not finishing guys.
My point or conclusion? So many variables, and this is why MMA is the best sport!! It's still open for debate as to whether finishes are important in ranking fighters. I'd like to hear your thoughts!