Possible 170 lb fighters in Pride's WW div

[NixHex]

GSP will have no challenge in the WW division any time soon. He's top striker, an elite wrestler, very skilled in BJJ, and he continues to improve with every fight. That got me wondering if small WWs in Pride would want to make the transition to a more comfortable weight 170 in UFC.
Just wondering who possibilities are, AJ mentioned Chonan. Seeing what your guys' thoughts are about this.

[willieshatner]

Hayato Sakurai

[CreepingDeth]

shinya aoki is 170 isnt he? Don't think he could handle georges but will make for some interesting matchups

[smoogy]

Between B.J. Penn and Diego Sanchez I'd say GSP has enough contenders to worry about within the UFC, but yeah, Chonan might be a decent matchup. If they booked Denis Kang vs. GSP in Eastern Canada I would be there in a heartbeat. Aside from them, the only PRIDE fighter who instantly springs to mind is.... Nick Diaz.

Edit: Oh yeah, Sakurai.

[BIG FLO]

GSP has enough to worry about for a little while with Hughes, Penn, and Diego. But I would love to see GSP move up to 185 and fight Henderson. That would be an awesome fight.

[NixHex]

Originally Posted by sretchin

GSP has enough to worry about for a little while with Hughes, Penn, and Diego. But I would love to see GSP move up to 185 and fight Henderson. That would be an awesome fight.

GSP vs Henderson or Kang would both be great fights. I think GSP would actually take the loss in both those fights, but they'd be extremely good fights to watch.
I don't think the WW div is as close as you guys think though. I think he is now decidedly ahead of Hughes, and Diego. BJ Penn would be his toughest matchup, but GSP will do nothing but improve and I think BJ has already peaked, and he's beat him before.

[Palma]

Originally Posted by g'nightXX

GSP vs Henderson or Kang would both be great fights. I think GSP would actually take the loss in both those fights, but they'd be extremely good fights to watch.
I don't think the WW div is as close as you guys think though. I think he is now decidedly ahead of Hughes, and Diego. BJ Penn would be his toughest matchup, but GSP will do nothing but improve and I think BJ has already peaked, and he's beat him before.

He barely beat Penn and doubt he would beat him again. You can only get so many Lay and Pray wins on the same fighter.

You are also forgetting about karo and Fitch. Both of these guys will be deserving of a title shot soon. I like GSP but he isn't the best WW fighter in MMA.

[NixHex]

Originally Posted by Palma Wrestler

He barely beat Penn and doubt he would beat him again. You can only get so many Lay and Pray wins on the same fighter.

You are also forgetting about karo and Fitch. Both of these guys will be deserving of a title shot soon. I like GSP but he isn't the best WW fighter in MMA.

He will beat Penn again for sure, he's only getting better since he beat him last time, and I would hardly call the first fight LnP. But i've seen you in this argument before. Fitch and Karo wouldn't have much of a chance against GSP either imo. Who's the best 170 lb fighter then?

[sodium_nitrate]

Originally Posted by Palma Wrestler

He barely beat Penn and doubt he would beat him again. You can only get so many Lay and Pray wins on the same fighter.

You are also forgetting about karo and Fitch. Both of these guys will be deserving of a title shot soon. I like GSP but he isn't the best WW fighter in MMA.

this is true. he pulled out the w, but i'm not sure who came out the winner in that fight. they need to have another fight (or two) to decide who's the better fighter. they both learned a lot fighting each other the first time though.

[smoogy]

Penn came very close to winning that decision and he ought to get a rematch after such an even fight. Let's not even debate this anymore, anyone who doesn't think that was a razor sharp decision wasn't paying close enough attention.