GSP and Hughes Discuss the Changing of the UFC Welterweight Guard

Photos by Jaimee Itagaki

MATT HUGHES: REMATCHES I do not think that I took him [GSP] lightly. He’s the future of the sport, and there’s no doubt about it. He’s well rounded, like I try to be. I’m anxiously awaiting a rematch.
GSP: AMERICAN IDOL The reason he beat me the first time is that he was a better fighter than I was. This time I was more confident. And, instead of looking up to him as an idol, I looked at him as another opponent.

HUGHES: TOO COMFORTABLE? I felt comfortable in there, and I do not know if that is a bad thing or not. I [also] usually find a way to win. I did not have a strict game plan. If I felt like I wanted to shoot, I would shoot. If not, I would not. I do not know if I need to examine that or not. But I would say I felt real comfortable when I was walking to the Octagon. It’s good that I’m relaxed, but it’s bad that I did not have a strict game plan. I guess I’ve got some things to think about. [Still], I think I am one of the best in the world, but I do not want to pat myself on the back.
Tim Sylvia: TOTAL SUPPORT But I will (who smiles and pats Matt on the back).

HUGHES: AT THE END OF ROUND 1 Yes, I was glad when the bell rang. I went to my corner and got refreshed and ready for Round 2.

GSP: AT THE END OF 1 I nailed him with a punch and went to finish when I heard the bell ring. When Round 2 started, I was hoping that he was still dizzy. He came back 100 percent, so I thought, “Damn, I have to do it again.

HUGHES: THE LEG KICKS After he connected with the two kicks (groin kicks), he had to watch his kicks from then on. The second time I went down the kick affected my legs more than my groin. I don’t know if it was a nerve thing or what.

GSP: THE TAPES I studied a lot of his (Hughes) fights and noticed that Royce [Gracie] used leg kicks. I figured it was a good technique to use against him, and I practice that a lot in training. In the fight, I eventually looked down like I was going to throw a leg kick and instead threw a high kick.
HUGHES: EXPECTATIONS I can tell you I did not think it [the fight] would go down like that.

GSP: NO. 1 FAN I came from a little country place, we grew up without a lot of money and my mom was always there to support me and help me. While I was at school and studying, she was working two jobs and going crazy. It is important for my mom to be here for the best day of my professional career. My mom is my No. 1 fan, and it was important for her to be here tonight.

HUGHES: A REMATCH Would I want to fight someone else or go right back to St. Pierre? I’d go back to St. Pierre again. He’s been on my mind for three months. I might as well keep him there and not get sidetracked. [Of course], my boss [UFC prez Dana White] is on my right hand side, and he will tell me what to do.

GSP: SWEET DREAMS Fighting and defending the title in Canada would be a dream.

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Winning and Losing

“Does GSP want to lose to an American? A Brazilian does not want to lose to someone outside of his country. I am American, and I do not want to lose to someone from outside of our country. If you are not patriotic to your country, who are you?” — Matt Hughes

“I don’t want to lose to anyone.” — GSP