UFC 158: Five Friday Questions- ANSWERED

1.  WILL GSP ENGAGE WITH DIAZ ON THE FEET?
The answer wasn't exactly "no", but he basically stayed out of his punching range until he would shoot in for a takedown.  He also landed a few shots and then moved away at an angle and not directly backing up.  In the third round he had a few exchanges on the feet and his face started to show some of the damage.  After that, he did his best to stick to his gameplan.

2.  ARE WE DISCOUNTING THE GRACIE BJJ BLACK BELT IN THIS FIGHT?
Despite fighting off his back for a lot of the match, GSP's top control was careful enough so as to not put him in any serious danger even though Diaz kept looking for an opportunity.  GSP's awareness kept him out of harm's way for almost the entire fight

3.  IS HENDRICKS TWO-DIMENSIONAL?

It is hard to say Hendricks isn't two-dimensional in that he really didn't vary his attack, but kept Condit on his feet the entire match.  Any time Condit threw a knee, Hendricks took him down.  He may still be two-dimensional, but those are mighty impressive dimensions.


4.  CAN CONDIT FLIP THE TABLES AND FINISH HENDRICKS?

Condit did not flip the tables, but did get some great shots on Hendricks that would fell larger men.  Not so with Hendricks (or Condit, as he also ate some shots).  If the fight had gone on two more rounds, it's possible Condit could have pulled out a victory as Hendricks started to slow down in the third round although some of that could be attributed to his broken hand.


5.  WHICH MARQUARDT SHOWS UP? 

Ellenberger KO'd Marquardt- does that mean he didn't show up?  Not necessarily.  Marquardt  fought an aggressive, exciting fight, but it looks like he ran into an emerging beast in the welterweight division.  He can take solace that this was not a boring fight.

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