Why is Silva/GSP p4p ranks up for debate?

that's exactly why he should get the nod for number 1. He's proven he can fight in 2 weight classes comfortably and still win. GSP is perfectly content with staying king of the welters. BJ has tried his hand at heavier weight classes( even going so far as to lose a decision to Lyoto at an open weight tourney) but I couldn't put him as number 2 when he lost at his own weight class to a featherweight.

 

Why do people defend Anderson Silva as if his criticisms were "Why won't he grapple? Why does he only fight standing up?"

No one criticizes Crocop for standing and striking. No one criticized Chuck Lidell for standing and striking.

People dislike Anderson because he doesn't fight. The dude LITERALLY turned his back and ran away from Maia in their fight.

 

What does this have to do with him not being p4p. He was clowning and trying to prove a point and supposedly had his own reasons, I won't go into details because its irrelevant. The point is he beat Maia easily, dominated the entire fight. how does this take away that he is the top guy p4p. Was he beaten up? in trouble?

 

Your criteria is stupid. GSP is technically undefeated and in terms of performances he is about as dominant as they get minus the finish. GSP has beaten the best of this era at 155 and 170. Dana says that he is happy to move up when called upon.

 

I think the argument for GSP originates from the level of competition the guy has been facing or faced for practically his whole life , Silva has a problem which for me recently doesnt seem so prominent , in that his level of opposition @85 is significantly weaker than that of the 170 lb division , or has been in recent years , for me now not so much .

I do however hold Silva @1 above GSP who incidentally i hold @2 , i just think Anderson is a better fighter .

Even though for me GSP has consistantly faced the stronger opposition , its the manner in which Silva has beaten the likes of Franklin twice , Henderson , Mardquart , Griffin and so on that sets him apart from George , overall like i say i just think he's a better fighter .

 

I was not talking about whether he was pound for pound #1 in that post. I merely pointed out that those who defend Anderson on the grounds that he should avoid the ground game against accomplished grapplers are failing to realize that that isn't why he isn't liked as a fighter.

I think GSP is the better fighter pound for pound because I think GSP has fought stiffer opposition and has demonstrated more well rounded skills. I'm not going to argue about it though because I see clearly how someone can place Anderson Silva as the #1 p4p fighter.

 

when I clicked on this thread I was thinking "yea there is no doubt that GSP is better than Silva"

comon man. GSP can do it all. Best fighter in the sport bar none.

 

How was the first Matt Sera fight anything but a straight up defeat?

 

I guess he was referring to GSP getting hit in the back of the head which was/is illegal.

 

Maybe he misspoke and meant that GSP has avenged all of his losses?

 

It was, he got caught but he avenged that loss brutally. Silva has been caught but never avenged his losses. On paper and in the cage that means ALOT.

 

although Silva did not avenge a loss from 5 yrs ago he is on a longer winning streak and has reigned longer as a champion. Not to mention has actually fought fought in a different weight class and clearly dominated the opposition he's faced there as well. GSP has never attempted to fight in a different weight class. Not taking anything away from GSP but right now Silva is the better fighter and should be ranked higher.

 

Unified UFC Middleweight and Pride FC Welterweight Championships? no he didnt

 

GSP's status as P4P best really depends on how much you want to punish him for his loss against Serra. Obviously after it happened there was no doubt it dropped him in the rankings, but ever since he's been totally unstoppable, including his destruction of Serra.
And I don't buy this assertion that Silva has faced better opposition.
And I'm sorry, but there's no way you can ignore Silva's awful performances against Leites and Maia, and to a lesser degree Cote.

Still, because it's been so long since he's lost I have no problem if people rank him above GSP. But, I don't see an issue with GSP being ranked #1 either. I'm more than happy to say it's just too close to call.

That said, Go Sonnen!!

 

Avenging losses is major but I agree multiple weight class is true P4P. Some guys can't handle the jump. GSP may need to make that decision eventually.

GSP's competition is much better and it should come down to the guys you beat. GSP's contenders are monsters like Alves and Fitch. Hardy is the first fighter in a long time that wasn't quite the threat.

If GSP was a bigger man, maybe 6 foot then he would bum **** Silva. Someone needs to stop his striking to grappling to striking to grappling transitions.