TUF 13 Finale thread Sat June 4,2011 on Spike ...

[CPT]

I've watched pretty much every event of the Zuffa era WEC, but didn't go out of my way to track down prelims or anything. I've seen Pettis fight several times, to answer the question, but I don't really have a book in my head of his specific tendencies, more just broad strokes. I almost never rewatch fights either, so I don't remember a whole lot of details from fights I watched months/years ago. You seem to study the fights more, but that's not how I watch them, and I don't think that means I can't voice my opinion.

What you saw as jitters/not being himself, someone else might see as him being in the cage with the toughest opponent he's ever faced, and therefore unable to do everything he wants. For example the lack of scrambling/wall walking could have been him not being himself, or Guida not allowing enough space to do so. I personally think it was the latter.

[Cammo101]

I'm not sure it was first UFC fight jitters, but he was in pretty much uncharted waters where he was essentially fighting for a title shot in his first UFC fight. That is tough on a young guy who has not been on the big stage before.

That said, I think it was more about Guida's takedowns than jitters, but I would not discount jitters entirely.

[REDDzone]

CPT, I actually agree with you, and I personally don't think his performance was due to jitters, but jw do you really think Guida is tougher than Bendo?

I'd watch that fight.

[Cammo101]

I definitely think Guida is tougher than Bendo. Especially as it pertains to wrestling for MMA.

[REDDzone]

Who'd win?

[Cammo101]

Who'd win?

Between Bendo and Guida? Guida.

[Bernman]

It appears we'll have to agree to disagree on the jitter matter. Anything short of Pettis admitting it himself isn't going to satisfy (maybe not even then).

As far as who'd hypothetically win between Henderson and Guida, it'd be Henderson. Guida compared himself to Henderson, and you know fighters are always worse than they think they are (although Clay is more realistic than most). Bendo is less predictable, a better striker, bigger, and possesses better sub defense. They're identical in basically every other area. That fight would stay on the feet, where Guida would be the punching bag that's made him the fan favorite he was in previous fights.

[Cammo101]

It appears we'll have to agree to disagree on the jitter matter. Anything short of Pettis admitting it himself isn't going to satisfy (maybe not even then).

As far as who'd hypothetically win between Henderson and Guida, it'd be Henderson. Guida compared himself to Henderson, and you know fighters are always worse than they think they are (although Clay is more realistic than most). Bendo is less predictable, a better striker, bigger, and possesses better sub defense. They're identical in basically every other area. That fight would stay on the feet, where Guida would be the punching bag that's made him the fan favorite he was in previous fights.

I think there is definitely a difference between Bendo and Guida's wrestling. I don't think the fight would stay on the feet. Though if it did, I agree it is good for Bendo.

[Bernman]

I think there is definitely a difference between Bendo and Guida's wrestling. I don't think the fight would stay on the feet. Though if it did, I agree it is good for Bendo.

Miller will be a good measuring stick. If that fights close, or Bendo wins, I don't think that would hypothetically bode well for Guida in a match-up with him. Miller is a good wrestler in his own right, while being superior in striking and BJJ, and just overall more intelligent.