Thiago impressed the **** out of me the other night against Swick. Great BJJ, big power, he just needs to refine his stand up. I think he might be the biggest threat to GSP at Welter considering his ground skill and heavy hands. Anyone else see it?
Wouldn't say I'm a fan but he has a come out of nowhere and proved himself to be a solid contender. He seems like a fairly rounded fighter showing KO power and solid BJJ. Going 2-1 against Fitch, Koscheck and Swick is nothing to be sneezed at.
I like this guy, He improves everytime out. Hes beaten Koscheck, Swick and if he beats fitch in a rematch, thats some accomplishments.
He has done great so far. As mentioned, he has good all round skills (solid chin too) and he keeps on improving. Training with the likes on Anderson and the Nog bros seems to be helping him. I enjoyed watching his segment on the countdown show. He is one tough/brave dude, also seems like a decent guy too. Looking forward to his fight.
Thank god he's come about cos the 170 division needs a buzz. I think GSP needs to go over some old ground but there is no shame in that. GSP got his rematches so I think he should consider giving some more out. Koscheck, Fitch, Thiago, Daley, Alves, Serra etc are all heading for fights with GSP depending on who can beat who. If Serra, Koscheck, Fitch and Alves come out on top then he should give them the fights. It would be good for the division if Daley ko's Koscheck and then a new guy fights GSP but I think Fitch really does deserve his shot now. Beating Alves again should definitely seal that.
Here is the Paulo Thiago segment from the countdown show for those who missed it. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWMDR9UPPdo[/ame]
Thought he landed a lucky punch against Koscheck, and that he looked a bit off against Volkmann. I never saw the Fitch fight, so can't comment. Can't fault him against Swick though, looked really good on his feet and sank in that vicious choke when he saw the chance. Guy looks like he has dynamite in his fists. Could go a long way.
This guy is a true contender thats for sure hes a good counter puncher and carrys some power in both hands plus he can take a good shot. I like his cardio and his ground game as well. I thought he possibly could have been awarded the decision in the Fitch fight and he could be challenging for the 170 pound title right now. Id give him a better chance then Dan Hardy.
I agree Jimmie, he would beat Hardy up or sub him. GSP is going to grind poor Dan's face into hamburger meat. Lovely D'arce.
Anytime I see a guy even attempt a D'arce I got ape****. Go to my academy and ask people what Jimmie submitts people with and 99 percent will say that choke exept I do a different varation where I drive the side of my forearm into the neck. By far my favorite submission to use or watch be used.
i **** with him (no homo). he comes to fight and has shown a good chin and i like me a fighter that can take a punch.