UFC 65 - Matt Hughes vs George St. Pierre Analysis

We proudly introduce our newest contributer to MMA News, Jonny T. Not only is he a well educated and articulate fanatic of mixed martial arts, but he also was also one of Robert "The Prince of Leglocks" Fergoson's top students. He comes aboard to help provide his insight into marquee fights. The Ultimate Fighting Championship 65 will bring us one of the most competive fights in UFC history. Two world-class athletes at the top of their game will be vying for the welterweight title. This really is the cream of the crop, a fight that's "as good as it gets." Jonny T, your breakdown... Hughes vs. St. Pierre! Just like my good friend simply put, "as good as it gets". We are looking at the two best fighters (athletes) MMA has to offer anywhere at any time to date. We're going to witness the seasoned champ and possibly the greatest all-time welterweight vs. the hungry, ultra-talented, and relentless challenger fly into battle this weekend. Before 23 SEP 06, I was convinced the champ was going to have enough mojo to get passed BJ Penn, but would suffer a loss to St. Pierre this weekend. After the Hughes/Penn II fight at UFC 63, I have been very impressed with Hughes' composure and sense of confidence during the vicious attack he had to face from BJ during the first two rounds of their second fight. He never panicked or demonstrated a sense of urgency while losing rounds 1 and 2. In the 3rd, BJ was obviously tired and Hughes capitalized as if it were scripted and never, at any point, lost confidence that he would not finish the fight. The laundry list of class A fighters he's dismantled over the past 4 years is overwhelmingly evident of his pure dominance in the weight division. In his first bout with St. Pierre, I had "Rush" up on the score card both on the ground and on their feet before he was caught with an armbar from the side mount. I believe it was purely a mental lapse on George's behalf that put himself in a vulnerable position. Both athletes are improved and more complete fighters exhibiting a clear separation from the rest of the division. St. Pierre: Great conditioning, excellent athleticism, tremendous pressure both standing and on the ground. He made the two time NCAA Champion (Trigg) look like a tune up fight, and was beating the current champ before getting caught in the armbar. He is truly the complete package and the future of the sport. Hughes: Has been there and done that with the best. Experienced, great training camp, excellent conditioning, vastly improved stand up skills, and the single best evolved wrestler in the history of the sport. Poised beyond his years and has the confidence to overcome any adversity in the octogon. There hasn't been anyone better up until this point in time. Analysis: On their feet, advantage to St. Pierre. On the ground, advantage to Hughes. The key to success for both fighters will come down to three key points; 1) conditioning, 2) can Hughes take the fight to the ground and keep it there? and 3) will St. Pierre be able to wash away his image of Hughes as being the next Superman and view him as just another fighter or will he get caught up with the mind games and pre-fight hype? Prediction: The nod goes to Hughes, but I see the pace being fast and furious. The fighter who is able to stay disciplined long enough to execute his game plan will win by attrition. Which fighter is able to expose the other's short comings and/or capitalize on the other's mistake will find their hand being raised in the end. My CHANGED vote will go to Hughes. -Jonny T