Main Event | Title Fight | Welterweight | 170 lbs (77.1 kg)
What a card. I'm going to try and give you guys the best breakdown of this fight as I can, here we go.
I'll start with a basic break down of where I feel each fighter has an advantage.
Free movement (footwork, head movement etc) - Edge to Georges here. Since the Serra fighter he has made an effort to master angles, in and out movement and level changes, and he may be one of the best in the sport at all three.
Wrestling - Even, we all know Hendricks is the more decorated wrestler while GSP is much more accomplished with his MMA wrestling. It's close but I'll call it even, if anyone is getting the take-down I have to think it's GSP unless it's some crazy scramble.
Striking - Edge to GSP with a slight nod and almost even due to Hendricks silly power, the reason I'm giving the edge to GSP here is while I acknowledge Hendrik's power, he is either A) planting his feet in phone booth range and letting his hooks go, OR B) Lunging in with his power hook as we saw countless times against Condit,I feel GSP will be a bit to fast and see the aforementioned angles above, the power shot is there, landing it on GSP is easier said than done.
Grappling - In a pure BJJ match I feel like GSP would win easily on points so I'll give the edge to GSP here, his top game is just too good, again...one of the best in the sport.
Athleticism - Even, Hendricks is an athlete of the highest level, I feel like he can match GSP everywhere save for speed with his power making up the difference here to keep it equal.
I don't think Hendricks is getting the knockout here, therefore I don't see him winning the fight, in fact I don't see him landing any of his power shots, I think he will resort to lunging again as he did with the Condit, the difference, he won't be able to rag doll GSP to the ground as he did with Condit.
Prediction - Hendricks makes it interesting with his silly power and defensive wrestling but in the end GSP uses speed, angles, movment and precise level changes to take at least 3 rounds. GSP via decision.