Demetrious Johnson the GOAT

Sakuraba beat Quinton Jackson who's one of the greatest LHW fighters in history. He did this whilst being a past his best welterweight. Also his submission game is arguably the best ever. He out struck Victor Belfort as well.

Yes Royce Gracie who was prime in 94 faced Hughes in 2006 and came up short. How does Hughes do 12 years past his prime? This is also the same Hughes who was beaten in under a minute twice by Hallman and was caught in the same trap by Newton before flukin victory. The same Hughes who was dominated by BJ Penn.

You over simplify fighters of this era, grossly so. Sakuraba reverses a takedown attempt by Renzo Gracie and spins him into a side mount Kimura. I don't think any active fighter today has that level of technical mastery. I can't think of a single WW who can exchange with Belfort in a shootout and come out on top. Does any WW have the takedown defence of Sakuraba either?

 

Frank Shamrock is the name I see dropped the most when people talk about the 1st to put all of the pieces together and become a prototype for modern fighters, not Hughes.

 

Definitely. He combined striking, grappling and wrestling with cardio and completely changed the game.

 

Belfort is ridiculously shot now, he's been fighting in the UFC for 20 years. Let's see were Cody Garbrandt is in 20 years time shall we?

How much Sakuraba have you actually watched? How often was he nailed for Steds? This is a WW fighter who defeated Randleman, Jackson and Belfort. Let that sink in.

Instead of talking nonsense actually watch the fighters you're commenting on. Watch Sakuraba from 97 to 2007. No one his size could touch him. He routinely beat world class fighters who were much heavier.

 

Royce was also obviously shot at that point.

 

Same goes for fighters today. Duh!

 

Of course you both could be rigteous on the respective ENDS thou.

 

I'm just saying it wasn't necessarily a submission attack as a submission opportunity that DJ capitalised on.