Props: Sherdog.com
“I think my wrestling ability will match up very well with his. I wrestle with Division I wrestlers all the time, like Gray Maynard and Johny Hendricks. I came a long way since I started training MMA. My wrestling may be even better than his. I don’t know for sure — we’ll find out. He’s got good hands, too. I think I have better standup, though. He (tends) to throw only arm punches where he doesn’t really commit. I’d like to stand out of his range and pick him apart like BJ [did].”
-UFC lightweight contender Tyson Griffin (12-1) compares himself with former lightweight champion and UFC 90 opponent Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk. While I’m all for self-confidence, Sherk is a very experienced 32-3-1 and probably one of the best wrestlers in the game today. Good luck Mr. Griffin.
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to me it will be like they are fighting mirror images of themselves, like kirk did in the star trek episode where his personalities got split in the transporter. that damn mr.scott!
*****WED. MORNING CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN*****
OK guys, research is done. I got kinda aggravated to read that BJ/GSP probably won’t happen in december, and I got to thinking. There are two reasons for this fight not happening in Dec. a) GSP wants to shut it down for the year and b) GSP wants the fight to be in canada.
So of course me not liking GSP to begin with, I looked into this.Champions Like: Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlai Silva and Rich Franklin fight 4 times every year on average. It’s nice to fight in your home town (ace), but I’ve never heard any brazilians bitch that they aren’t fighting in Brazil. I’ll take it one step further, Big Nog, your UFC HW champion fought 5 times in 2002, 04 and 06 and 6 times in 2001 and 2000. It gets better, Uriajah Faber fought 4 times in 2007, 5 times in 04 and 05 and 6 times in 2006. I don’t like him, but Tim Sylvia fought 9 times in 2002! Drew Ficket fought 11 times in 2000 and averages 6 fights a year! I know, these are all on lesser shows, but a fight is a fight, your training and will SHOULDN’T change. Here are gsp’s fights in 6 years:
2002/3 fights
2003/2 fights
2004/3 fights
2005/4 fights
2006/ 2 fights
2007/ 3 fights
2008/ 2 fights
So he’s a “champion” and is going to have 2 fights this year. yeah, fighting and training are a full time job…welcome to the real world frenchie! Fighting outside your home town is tough…welcome to MMA buddy! I notice that not too many people call out BJ or silva or even nog and faber. I am always hearing WW’s calling out GSP. And now he needs to shut it down after 2 fights this year. I think (barring injury) all champions should fight 4 times a year. But true champions don’t need to be told that, they fight when asked, against who ever and where ever the venue is. Guys that are scared and want to hold onto their title as long as they can, shut it down and request where the fight happens. Too bad for GSP, BJ Penn will fight you in canada, or where ever else on the planet you want the fight! He will come in shape and with a fire in his eyes to avenge that razor thin decision. GSP needs the extra time to train for BJ Penn.
I’ve heard conflicting reports, one says BJ/Florian in nov or dec and BJ/GSP in feb.
the other says UFC in montreal on a friday in dec with GSP/BJ? stay tuned!
I totally agree with your entire post Kev.. thanks putting in some time and showing us some facts about the case.
Kevin - All you been doing lately is pointing out bullsh*t about GSP! You said yourself you dont like GSP, so why would you care how many times he fights in a year? You mention all these guys fighting 4 or 5 times but you dont mention opponents! What good are 4 fights if its with guys who are not even at the top of the division? Tito has Jena on his nuts defending him, and BJ has you! Are you BJ’s Jena?
You know what’s sad? It’s that almost every post on this site no matter what the topic turns into a GSP bashing and BJ nut hugging arguement.
Kevin, why don’t you post up the same stats for your boy BJ cause I’ve looked them up and they go like this:
2002/ 3 fights
2003/ 2 fights
2004/ 3 fights
2005/ 2 fights
2006/ 2 fights
2007/ 1 fights
2008/ 2 fights
He’s never fought more than 3 fights since 2004. What’s the moral of the story? These stats are completely irrelevant to any fighter. There’s a lot that goes on between fights for every fighter. Some lesser known fighters take fights on short notice to build their resumes and get more experience quickly. They all have lives outside of fighting and training and they all get injured and need to recoup. They all take time off and they all need to recharge their batteries once in a while. Most of them have their owns camps and take time to teach as well.
These fighters leave everything behind…their wives/girlfriends, their friends, their kids…everything for weeks and often times months to go train for fights every single day without taking time off. Have any of you made that type of sacrifice? If you have then maybe you’ll have some perspective on this situation. Fighting isn’t like the jobs most of us have which is 9-5 Mon-Fri and we get to come home to our lives every day so to sit here and say that real fighters have to fight a certain amount of times per year is ludacris.
Very good post Buster Bluth!!! Whats up now Kevin? What about BJ’s fights? Like I said Kevin, you seem to be BJ’s Jena!
Buster Bluth - You nailed it. Completely and totally! The stats in the first post are absolutely meaningless.
kevin doesn’t know shit - Wazzup, dude? Is it that time of the month?
This is the best comment ive heard yet!!!
it blows kevins comment away. The only reason Kevin has those commments is because he doesnt like gsp. and is in love with BJ. so Kevin, maybe your research isnt done! go back to researching this alittle more. Thanks to Buster for making kevins comment irrelevant of the “breakdown” of why GSP is scared to fight BJ. And PhilQNY, “I totally agree with your entire post Kev” im surprised you agreed with kevin and didnt have the knowledge to look into this one. I am one guy who looks forward to reading your posts, kinda disappointed with this one.
Buster: Nice work! Thats how you properly respond to a post! With an educated response. YOu did your research, and I respect that!
I dont care to bash GSP or BJ, since they are 2 of my Favorite fighters. I just want to see them fight. I wanted to see it in December, but waiting till Febuary isn’t so bad. like someone said early this week, these 2 will fight, the only question is when!
I cant wait to see what the opening odds will be. Odds only reflect who the public is betting, and I am very curious to see which way the action is leaning.
great points buster, I like john appreciate the educated response. BJ vacated a title to fight GOMI. BJ fought machida at HW. BJ calls out the cream of the crop. GSP has said he wants to fight silva but at 177 catch weight! I don’t like the “stock answer” pompus “frennchie” attitude that is GSP. I love and respect the way he fights! I just want to see it more. 4 times a year may be too much, but IMO 2 fights a year is too little! Sacrafice is grinding out a 9-5 every day for peanuts. Give me GSP’s athleticism (I once had it, but didn’t train at the time, FYI I could have played D-1 football but chose a good college with no program instead) and I’d fight who ever, when ever. I too agree, this discussion is geting old, and we all need a break. As far as BJ’s fighting schedule, he will fight anyone, anytime, unfortunately, his mind wasn’t in it until now. No drive=no fights, but he (like GSP) has an impressive resume!
Good posts. You really didnt touch on the fact that BJ actually fights less than GSP. All you stated was that his mind wasnt in it until now. Not that I really care. Im just being a instigator or sorts.
Anyways, Im sure alot of it has to do with GSP’s contract. If he wins, then he has to fight in the UFC again or relinquish his belt. If he doesnt, then his negotiations arent going to be as good. There is alot to think about in that situation.
GSP seems to be one of those fighters that puts his whole mind and body into training for a fight. That takes alot out of you. He just needs some time because he has a ton of info to process right now.
Personally, I agree that champs should fight at a minimum of 4 fights per year.
Kevin, and Buster: God stuff! I am just sitting back and enjoying a great factual Debate! I applaud the both of you!
I hear that the November event will be in Portland Oregon, and that the UFC is trying to put together Rampage/Wanderlei 2 as the main event.
I also hear that there will be an event on December 5th (probably in Canada) and then the Dec 27th one in Vegas.
I forget who I was arguing with, 1 of you Canadians were trying to tell me that the end of the year event was going to be in Canada. iYOu can forget that! end of year event always in vEGAS!
Canada..New Year’s event??.. IT’s Viva Las Vegas.
yeah Phil, I was trying to tell those crazy Canadians that there is no chance of the end of year event being in Canada!
hehehehehehehehehehehehe…
Hope Nate Quarry is on the Portland card. Big fan of that dude.
Nate Quarry isnt exactly ppv material. he is more suited for UFN’s
The ol’ golf club to eye socket trick might have him out of commission until past then.
He’s from Oregon so I think he said he would love to fight in front of a “home crowd”.
“Quarry indicates that he will be ready for action in November or December.”
Anyone that puts a New Year’s event in Canada in Montreal is just plain nuts. UFC do your research. First off we all know it’s in Vegas for sure!!
I’m Canadian, I know how it’s like in Montreal. Put it on December 5th and you’re running the same risk…just try getting to the arena through loads of snow on the ground. Sub-zero temperatures with heavy snowfall is not conducive to road trips by car and MMA events/parties etc.
The last time they came they were smart, they chose a good time of year weather wise. You don’t wanna walk around the arena with a triple layered coat. Trust me.
JOHN. i read about the dec.5th rumor in montreal as well, but that date falls on a friday. kind of a wierd day for the ufc to hold a big event, but who knows?
I heard they were going to have a fri event too, in monteal
I agree that:
1. GSP should be fighting more
and
2. He would lose to BJ if he doesn’t take some time off and then start a lengthy training camp fresh
But I disagree with a champion having to fight 4 times a year. That’s once every 3 months, most champs (not all, but MOST) fight about 5 times every 2 years, look it up. When you’re an up-and-comer, you take those short-rest fights, but when you’re champ, you have some leverage. I also disagree with your training not changing (in length and intensity) as your career progresses. Ask any pro trainer, when you become a number 1 contender or the champ, your training has to change, you have to step it up.
So silly eh, when people wanted GSP to move up in weight it was “He hasn’t even defended his title yet! Clear the division first”. Now BJ beats 1 guy to get a shot, takes the belt and defends it once and gets a Title shot a division higher?
BJ didn’t even work his way up to the shot, he went on a reality show! GSP cleared his division twice on the way up! Silva didn’t get a shot at a belt when he went up, he had to beat a gatekeeper.
Let’s see BJ beat Kos and Fitch and prove he belongs up there. Or better yet, lets see him defend his title 3 or 4 times seeing as he skipped right over the creame of 155 to take the free title. I’m not saying he won’t beat all of them, just thinking Serra wasn’t supposed to beat GSP either and I bet there’s a little Serra type matchup for BJ in 155.
Hell, maybe Serra will finally drop down and he can take BJ.
My 2cents.
I agree. I cant stand how they do that sometimes. I feel that people should only get a shot at the belt after they work for it. Giving someone a shot at the belt just cause, is dumb.
BJ does need to dominate his division for a bit before moving up to challenge for the title with GSP. Or maybe he can do like A.Silva and switch back and forth for a bit… no title shot yet, but working towards it.
leading up to the first fight…
penn’s was coming off of a RENZO win.
gsp’s last beat sherk.
now that gsp has a couple wins in a row and Penn is coming off a Sherk win, people want to talk about BJ PENN isn’t worthy of GSP. its funny to me… split decision remember? put it this way. how funny would it be if bj fans said that GSP wasn’t worthy leading up to the first fight?
First, I’m a huge fan of both fighters. Probably Penn a little more than Gsp, but both are great. There’s a few reasons that Penn deserves a title shot. One he’s the lightweight champ.Two, he’s held the welterweight championship in the past. Three, he’s willing to move up in weight class. Four, he’s the last fighter (except for the Serra upset) to push Gsp to the limit, a three round split decision. And finally, five, and most important, it’ll make a ton of money because hardcore fans like me will definitely pay to see it.
I think BJ should defend his undisputed belt at least 1 time before fighting GSP…i think Kenny could really give him a good run
I am however, quite sick of this discussion
i agree, if the gsp/penn fight isnt until early next year instead of dec, bj should defend his belt at least 1 time.
Kenny will have a better shot at BJ then Sherk did…Sherk has practically no reach…hard to trade with no reach
Good points McArthur. Ken-Flo’s longer limbs will be an entirely different story. And I also believe Ken-Flo is a more technical striker than Sherk, so BJ won’t be able to duplicate what he did with Sherk w/c was to make Sherk virtually his punching bag! Ken-Flo’s long limbs could trade jabs w/the prodigy all day long!
So GSP pimped your chick and now you’re a hater?
You can hate if you want to but the fact is the guy is an awesome fighter. IMO i think BJ would win if they were to fight again but that doesn’t change the fact that GSP is an awesome WW champ. I love reading posts by some of you keyboard warriors, what do you do all day? every time i go read an article you’ve got some 10 page rant about something, get in the ring ! and that’s my post for the week!
apparently my post is being censored, so i’ll keep it simple, you’re a hater with way too much time on your hands, instead of bashing fighters on the net maybe you should try getting in the ring
lol there’s the hater comment again. I love that. you’re like GSP, you got a stock answer. How exactly am I a hater? I’m a Penn fan, and a fan of great fights, not a big GSP fan. So I’m a hater how??? my guess is you didn’t have a great post like Buster, who disagreed, but in the best well thought out way, and I respect him! And I’d get into the ring any day of the week (with you), I just happen to be a little older and not as in shape as I once was!
Wow, we can you tube that fight, haha. Anyways, this is getting out of hand. You didn’t state that you hate GSP, you stated that you haven’t liked him since the start. That is pretty close to the same thing…
BJ needs to focus on his division for a bit. Then he can start fighting people in GSP’s division.. then depending on his progress, he can fight GSP for the belt.
you’re a hater because you use terms like frenchie, and say things like welcome MMA buddy when you’re no one, just some dude on his computer living vicariously through other people’s accomplishments. I’m a HUGE BJ fan and a huge fan of the sport and anyone willing to get in the ring and while it’s obvious GSP doesn’t have BJ’s natural ability he has worked 5 times as hard to get the abilities he does have. if you dislike a particular fighters style then whatever but you should show a little respect for people willing to do what you can’t (myself included) i’m a fighter and as such i respect fighters, even ones that don’t particularly appeal to my idea of a “great fighter”. Bottom line is that you waste a lot of time looking for facts to justify your dislike of someone who has done nothing personally to you at all and is a pillar in the MMA world and then go post about it in an unrelated story…HATER!!!!
Great work on the research…please crawl out of BJ’s a$$ the last fight I want to see is GSP vs Penn, I already seen it and GSP won! if GSP was ging to fight anyone else and said that he wanted to take some time off would you have gone through all that research? I doubt it…when they do fight again and BJ is on the end of a beating what will you say than…”BJ was hurt”, “not fair because GSP had some time off to really prepair himself” etc…etc…etc
If BJ wanted to take some time off you would be defending that…saying he deserves the time because he is such a great champion,
if you go back and really look into it GSP may have fought only twice in 2008 but if you go back over 12 months he has fought 4 times
I’ve been hearing the fight will happen Jan 31-superbowl weekend. If GSP needs an extra month to prepare, who cares. Just remember- he is not a chicken.
Sherk doesn’t lose much. I see Sherk out muscling him. Another UD win.
Yeah, those three losses came to Matt Hughes in his prime, George St. Pierre nearing his prime, and BJ Penn in his prime. Not much shame in losing to them.
Oh yeah, and he fought Hughes and GSP when the 155 class didn’t exist yet so he was well undersized for 170.
HELL NO! theres no shame in those loses! I dont think Sherk will lose this fight?
I dont know about Sherk. I think tyson may be too much for him right now. Many of these lightweights have gotten a whole lot better while sherk was suspended. I think they closed the talent gap between them and Sherk. This is going to be a tough fight.
I think I am taking Tyson/and the OVERS because we all know these 2 couldnt Finish a fight to save their lives
When was the last both these guys finished someone?
I think Tyson might pull it off. What did Drago say about Rocky, “He is like a piece of iron.” Sherk may be saying the same thing about Griffin.
john, thats interesting for you to say? You really think Tyson is that good? isnt Tyson ducking Nate? I really havent followed Tyson’s fights so maybe your right?
To answer my own question Sean Sherk: Novwmber 2005 Tyson Griffin: Septemeber 2006.
I’ll take Sherk on this fight, he’s got the better cardio, the power house takedowns, and he threw down with BJ Penn so I think he’ll easily take Tyson.
If was to pick the less of two evils.. I would pick Tyson in this one. The only thing I ?? about Tyson is.. He was out wrestled by Frankie Edgar who really is a 145lb’r. All I know who gets maintains control.. wins the scrambles.. will win a decision. I don’t either one of them getting finished.. and if by some miracle there is a Ko, or tapout.. It should automatic ” something of the night. “
John… Have you found anywhere you can take the over? Since betus stopped I can’t find anything
Kory: Unfortunately I havent because betting the overs/Unders in mma is easy money. If I find something I will be sure to let you know.
Jv: I dunno what to think to be honest with you. All I know is that Sherk hasn’t really improved much since his title reign. On the other hand, most of the young up and coming lightweights have been improving. What I am sure of is that Tyson will have the master Gameplanner (couture in his corner) and Tyson’s wrestling is good enough that Sherk wont be able to dominate him. Tyson’s stand up has shown improvement. Sherks is good as well. They are pretty even. 2 fighters with the exact same skill set. I am not very excited about this actual fight, but i am excited that 1 of these mirror images will get knocked out of title contention. Cant have multiple title challengers with the same skill set competing for the same title. How many wrestlers do we have to watch BJ dominate?
Lets be HOnest, this fight is destined to go to the decision which tells me that the winner will be the fighter who is in top position on the ground for the longest period of time out of 15 minutes. If I was judging this fight, I would just sit there with a stop watch and time how much each fighter spends on top position and whoever spends the most time on top, WINS because thats what this fight will come down to.
Violentmike: Any news as to where I can bet the OVERS!
LOL, when you mentioned betting the over for this fight, I was going to ask you the same thing!!!
I really miss those, they were easy money. I think I only lost one Over/Under bet on MMA and won all the others.
Sean Sherk should have what it takes to win this fight. But, Griffin’s standup looked MUCH improved in his last fight. Those lead uppercuts were working great on Maximus. Sherk will be the favorite to win and in order for him to lose, Griffin is going to have to put on the performance of his life. However, Sherk doesn’t even need to be at 100% to get a win here. Sherk has a proven chin.
I think it would very interesting to see these two keep the fight standing for the entire first round.
I would love to see who has the better striking for the 1st round before they start humping away at each other like Rabit Dogs in heat!
This could be an awesome match or a major humpfest. I hope Tyson takes it though. That would make for a more interesting LW shakeup.
I think Sherk’s too strong for Tyson. I hope this fight isn’t a snooze fest. I liked Griffin’s last fight, but I hope someone finishes the fight.
when 2 good wrestlers fight there is good potential for a stand up slugfest…that would be great. i disagree with tyson. sherk is clearly a better wrestler. as long as tyson can hold his own in that department we will get a good standup fight. if sherk is much better as i think he may be then sherk will hump him to a UD.
it could look alot like tito vs rashad
Yea, I can see your scenario happening! Sherk takes this fight IMO!
Crowls, that would be perfect if their wrestling could cancel each others out. Tyson goes to a lot of decisions, but some of them were fights of the night and were very good back and forth wars. Sherk is probably the better wrestler, but Tyson definatly held his own agaisnt Edgar who has excellent wrestling. Maybe Sherk will try to use his “boxing” like he did agaisn’t BJ. That would make for the most watchable scenario. But like you say most likely Sherk will be humping Tyson’s gooch all night long.
Well if this were to happen, then the slugfest would go into Tyson’s favor. I see him as havin’ the better standup. Correct me if I’m wrong though…
I would take Tyson in the standup all day…
This fights has all the makings of a unanimous decision win. Obviously since they’re wrestlers, they’re gonna stand and throw jabs for three rounds. In the end Sherk is gonna claim that it was a competitive match.
It will be a competitive match, stop undercutting the fighters because of their style. If you don’t like wrestlers then don’t watch but these two guys beat most anyone in their division. Maybe not Tyson as much as Sherk but if they stand and trade it’ll only last so long before one of them shoots and eats a Knee. I’m calling it lights out for Tyson.
That was pretty funny and probably accurate!
I got Sherk here. I think he’ll be able to outwrestle Griffin and he’ll prove to be to strong.
This has the potential to be Snooze-fest of the year. I hope they prove me wrong. Never was a fan of Griffin.
both have very crisp boxing and fast hands but lack ko power
Well lets hope that it has gotten better since he last fought Frankie Edgar. He is training with Maynard which is a plus since Maynard dominated Edgar. Can’t wait to see it.
I see it the same way u do RyanH. Tyson looks like he put on more size as well, I’m sure working out with Maynard has greatly improved Tyson’s wrestling.
that shot to the balls from edgar didnt help tyson much either. who was the ref in that fight? was it mazagotti again?
Whhhhhhattttt.ok seriously guys. No he’s not a better wresteler,come on.and he throws arm punches…… ok but look at his reach in the last couple fights.it’s cause he is short and stocky. he has fast hands but not long arms.It would be like vern troyer (mini me) trying to hi Andrei the giant. this fight is going to suck. it will be a wresteling show on Sherks part,like a after a bindge drinking night piece of ass u passed out on.stupid fight….
This fight has “zzZZZzZZzZZZ” written all over it. Either they keep punching each other (with no KO power) or they interlock on the ground somehow for the whole fight.
If one man comes out on top, I actually hope that its Sherk, as I think Griffin stole the Guida fight and that still kinda irks me.
Amen about stealing the Guida fight…that was top four worst UFC decision fo sho.
I really hope they put this fight on the undercard. Now they only show a few fights per ppv and I have no interest in seeing this one.
I have a question for J. Holland. How does “I may even be a better wrestler” become Tyson Griffin is a better wrestler than Sean Sherk? BTW, Sean Sherk is not as strong as you guys think he is. Tibau and Stevenson are substancially stronger than Sherk. Sherk is 35, off the juice, and just took a beating from BJ. Griffin has every reason to be confident about this fight.
hopefully Sherk will test clean …. i want Griffin to take it. I dislike cheaters.
Tyson was out wrestled by Frankie Edgar who’s wrestling is about on par with Sherk’s. The only differance is that Sherk walks around about 20 lbs heavier then Frankie. I see Sherk taking this one.
someone here needs to finish the fight. these guys are the decision kings, maybe slight advantage to sherk?
just how does the man get off saying he is as good a wrestler as sherk when frankie edgar and clay guida out wrestled his ass hands down.
Does anyone else think that after he gets a few more fights Gray is gonna be a force? He dominated Frankie Edgar and fighters coming out of the Xtreme Couture camp ALWAYS have superb fight strategies, ie. Couture vs Big Tim, Forrest vs Page. Just my opinion.
i do
This is a MUST see video. BJ Penn talks about his upcoming fight with GSP. The lady giving the interview is asking some pretty tough questions. BJ also talks about what will happen with his fight against Kenflo after the GSP fight. It is also interesting to noe that Penn was stuck in his hotel elevator the weekend of UFC 87 in Minnesota.
Here’s the link:
http://www.bjpenn.com/video/video/show?id=2022293:Video:209339
If only Belfort Fan was on to here this one.
I don’t think Griffin is the better wrestler. Hopefully, the fight will be determined by more than just wrestling.
I think that Sherk was smaller in his last fight. If he’s not as strong as he was before, I think Tyson has a great chance. Great sprawl and scramble, improving stand-up, and really good wrestling. Sherk on the other hand is obviously great at what he does, though I haven’t seen his stand-up really work yet.
It’s hard to have good stand-up when you have T-Rex arms.
I think this is the perfect matchup for Sherk. Tyson is a warrior but I think Sherk is better-faster, stronger, and hungrier. I dont see Tyson being able to take Sherk down. Also, Sherk just fought a war against one of the best fighters in the world (Bj Penn). Win or lose, your fight game improves when you get in the ring with someone of that caliber.