GSP/Silva vs Cain/JDS/Overeem

[macp1]

This might sound like an irrelevant question, but I was recently watching some of the older UFC's. I still remember watching the first few live back in the 90's. My question is what if the tournament format was still the same? Would we be looking at Silva or GSP in the same way?

Example, I may be wrong, but I dont see Silva beating Overeem or JDS or Cain. GSP I see losing even worse with the early rules. In no way do I think those Heavies are better than GSP, talent wise or ATG status, let alone even being close to Silva in terms of class. yet they would all beat Silva and GSP, in my opinion at least.

I guess I just find it interesting that 20 years ago, arguably, the two GOAT in The Octagon, would barely even be contenders, if the fighters from today were sent back 20 years. Any thoughts or anyone else find this interesting at all?

[Stoo]

Cormier has the best style to win a tourny... but out of the 3 you mentioned Id go with Reem as it stands...

[the_bigunit]

Originally Posted by Stoo

Cormier has the best style to win a tourny... but out of the 3 you mentioned Id go with Reem as it stands...

It'll be a heavyweight, no doubt. The only non-heavy would be Jon Jones but he'd be technically fighting over 205 anyway.

[Stoo]

I dont know why you brought up Jones fella, no doubt a talent. But the top 5 HW's beat him imo...

[macp1]

I wonder what the history of MMA, or at least UFC, would have been if the rules never had changed. Tim Silva suddenly could be seen as an ATG, yet Silva might be a journeyman. I would think Fedor would be the face of UFC if he ended up going. If not, Couture GOAT UFC?

[Stoo]

I highly doubt Tim would have the stamina to go 25+...

[macp1]

Originally Posted by Stoo

I highly doubt Tim would have the stamina to go 25+...

ya, thats another thing. Cain and Reem and JDS gas pretty quick. Without the breaks every 5 minutes, could a Silva or GSP wear them out and beat them like Huas vs Varelans (Polar Bear guy)? Things may not have changed too much.

[Stoo]

I think they'd beat Paul and Ruas (assuming you mean Marco) easily even without time limits fella

[macp1]

Originally Posted by Stoo

I think they'd beat Paul and Ruas (assuming you mean Marco) easily even without time limits fella

I was saying Ruas was what, 150 lbs? Varelans 300+? And he chopped him down and took his time. I wonder if Silva or GSP, if the sport never evolved as it had, had been able to do the same to guys like Cain or Reem.

[Stoo]

Think Marco was 190, but your point still stands

[macp1]

Funny. This SF fight is the same as the Ruas Varelans fight, without the size difference lol