Would GSP be as successful if he were fighting in today's UFC?

[L0ki]

The division was more stacked in his run than it is today.

 

[Gotosleepho]

Easily. I see him being WW champ at the moment. And if he did lose I think he would regain the title quickly.

 

[Steve Fox]

Prime? Absolutely. GSP was elite.

Yup, he would probably be on top of the mountain.

 

[SuperNerd]

The game has evolved.

 

[VinceArch]

I think he'd still have success. Some of the bigger guys might give him trouble but I would pick him beating Leon, Usman and Colby.

 

[Noraaq]

He would be successful, but not a GOAT

 

[r-harper-1]

GSP would be a dominant champ if he were in his prime in 2023 …..I was an Anderson guy because of entertainment factor, but Gsp went a long stretch against tough opponents without losing a round ….he was special

 

[Pingu]

Prime gsp vs todays ww? Yes
Todays gsp vs todays ww? Yes, he would still be champ.

 

[Rum that Chimay-Leffe]

Let’s not forget that he may have the GOAT fighting IQ, and I can’t see a UFC fighter these days equal him, apart from Volk.

 

[Chillez]

I firmly believe GSPs style is timeless. Great with range, kickboxing, dominant grappling, takedown defense, and elite cardio. Really hard to beat that combo.

Also had extremely great fight IQ great at making game plans and switching it up if things aren’t working in his favor.

 

[aerius]

GSP was super popular in Canada and they tend to favour non Americans more in promotions. He didn’t have that problem back then despite his style and wouldn’t have that problem today as well for that reason.

I can see you're coming from even though I don't entirely agree. The UFC doesn't give a shit about Canada these days so I don't think they'd give him the same promotion they did back then. The OP also mentioned prime GSP which to me is the more cautious version we saw during his title reign and not the one went for finishes in his early UFC career. IMO he'd end up a lot closer to the Belal Muhammad career path than the one he actually had.

 

[Sweater of AV]

He'd be even more successful against this festival of cans.

 

[Poatan Power]

GSP, Jones and Khabib had the greatest skillsets of any fighters in history thus far. GSP would demolish the WW division today and matchup favorably with at least 50% of the top 10 MW's.

I can see you're coming from even though I don't entirely agree. The UFC doesn't give a shit about Canada these days so I don't think they'd give him the same promotion they did back then. The OP also mentioned prime GSP which to me is the more cautious version we saw during his title reign and not the one went for finishes in his early UFC career. IMO he'd end up a lot closer to the Belal Muhammad career path than the one he actually had.

I disagree.

As John Danaher dictated in more recent interviews, GSP went into his middleweight reign with the intent of finishing fights again. This is why he battered bisping in striking before finishing with a submission. He had a new lease on finishing fights when he came back.

In addition, Belal doesn't have 75% of the skills GSP has. GSP would be ragdolling and finishing the guys he's laying on.

 

[JKS]

Without question, GSP would be champion.

 

[Sgt Smith]

If he were to have purple cornrows, he might.

Georges "Grapple Funkmaster" St. Pierre

 

[sonofjay817]

Imagine what a great story it would be if he came back and won the belt again.

 

[World eater]

Would he also duck Shavkat?
That would be a dream fight.

 

[Rum that Chimay-Leffe]

Imagine what a great story it would be if he came back and won the belt again.

Sherbros would be impressed by this performance

 

[TheAmericanGazelle]

He wouldn't quite as dominant, but he would still be champion for a good long streak.

 

[ferrisjso]

No.