Not many people that I know are giving Serra much of a chance. Prior to Serra's title winning fight against GSP, I wouldn't have given Serra mcuh of a chance either. But when fighters win belts, they usually improve dramaticlly just based on that because of the "confidence factor". I think that Hughes is a bit on the slide, and Serra is confident enough to win a decision.
If Serra lands big early then yes he can. Otherwise, Matts on another planet than Serra in takedowns, has the better overall mma ground game, better cardio, and has actually bean into the championship rounds and won them. Don't tell me Serra is the better grappler in MMA, because he is not, he has finished 1 guy in the UFC on the ground, 5 years ago. In that same period of time Hughes has stopped the following guys with grappling, Carlos Newton, Mach Sakurai, Gil Castillo, Frank Trigg, GSP, Joe Riggs, Royce Gracie, and BJ ****ing Penn, injury or not. People say Hughes Lays and Prays? Hughe's finishing percentage = 78% Serra's finishing percentage = 55% So yes, Serra stands a chance is Hughes once again forgets that he is not ment to be a striker and gets into exchanges, but other than that, not much of one.
I give Serra reasonable chance, Hughes only has take downs and Serra isn't to easy to takedown, If he can keep it standing his chances go up. Hughes didn't look that great against Lytle and his fight game isn't going to change .
Hughes is going slam that shrieking little sissy Serra and ground in pound or submit his whiney ass. The GSP win was a fluke & St. Pierre will have his revenge either way.
Serra is so short and stocky I think Hughes will struggle to take him down - then Serra could land a bomb and pull the upset...I'd favor Hughes though
Hughes will want to stand with Serra. Don't ask why. He will pay for it early on. When he's tired he'll go for take down but won't be able to do much on the ground possibly get submitted. Hughes should win this easily though.
I'm not sure I see Hughes winning easily, Serra has never been more motivated and he isn't easy to sub. Unless he get's a good GNP going and get's his side control like he did against Penn.
