According to a March 15 report from MMA Junkie, Georges St-Pierre's wrestling will be the difference-maker for his UFC 158 fight against Nick Diaz.
"The wrestlers have the big advantage in this sport," said former UFC champ Matt Hughes, a standout wrestler in his own right. "If GSP's going to stand, he's going to stand. If he's going to go to the ground, he's going to go to the ground. So I think that's going to be great for GSP to be able to control the fight – no doubt about it. I think Diaz is OK in the wrestling game, but you can't compare it to GSP."
St-Pierre and Diaz are set to square off on March 16 in the main event of UFC 158, live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.
Hughes thinks St-Pierre is going to counter Diaz's striking by constantly shooting for takedowns until he can take the fight to the mat.
"If Georges wants to stand with him, all he has to worry about is two hands," Hughes said of the UFC 158 fight between St-Pierre and Diaz. "He doesn't have to worry about kicks or knees. He can really do whatever he wants. I don't know what the game plan is, but Georges is going to be faster, and Georges is going to be able to control the takedown game. The advantage is to Georges because he's going to be on top, and most judges see if you're on top, you're winning the fight. I don't think I really see Diaz throwing an elbow to win the fight. Georges has a lot of good things going for him in the fight."
Diaz likely has the advantage when it comes to striking, but St-Pierre has the clear advantage in wrestling.
"I think GSP is going to be the faster fighter," Hughes said. "So if I was coaching GSP, I'd say, 'If you feel comfortable on your feet, get in and throw some bigger punches. Then come back out, out of range, and do whatever you want. If you feel comfortable taking him down, take him down.'"
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