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THE CHALLENGER: Thiago “Pit Bull” Alves

Record: 22-4

Notable victories: Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck, Karo Parisyan

Odds to win: +240

STRENGTHS: Alves literally has a puncher’s chance against Georges St-Pierre, as he’s the hardest hitter the champ has ever faced. Armed with Muay Thai knees, powerful punches and the best leg kicks in the business, Alves is an aggressive fighter who can seriously hurt opponents in a hurry. He’s a true finisher; just ask Matt Hughes, whom he brutally knocked out with a flying knee at UFC 85.

WEAKNESSES: While Thiago Alves’ takedown defense is outstanding, there’s a reason for that; he’s not comfortable on the ground and thus does everything in his power to keep fights standing. When he’s taken down, his “defense” is to try and stand up. Against a ground monster like George St-Pierre, Alves could be done like dinner if he gets taken down.

THE CHAMPION: Georges “Rush” St-Pierre

Record: 18-2

Notable victories; BJ Penn, Matt Hughes, Sean Sherk

Odds to win: -300

STRENGTHS: Is there a word limit on this article? There are many, many strengths to list for GSP, as he’s among MMA’s most versatile and athletic fighters. He made a name for himself with his Karate-based striking and still has deadly knockout ability, but he really became an elite fighter when he matured into what his peers say is the best wrestler in all of mixed martial arts. He’s a scientist on the ground, knowing exactly where to position his limbs to limit his opponents’ mobility. He’s successful on 77 per cent of his takedown attempts, a number bettered only by lightweight Gray Maynard. That makes GSP a bad matchup for Alves.

WEAKNESSES: GSP has one possible weakness, and it does give Alves an opening. When St-Pierre first fought Matt Serra, sports predictions had him dominating the fight, but no one expected him to get wobbled with a relatively weak punch and eventually get TKO’d by Serra. Though St-Pierre hasn’t lost since then, his chin is a bit of question mark. Few fighters hit harder than Alves, so you never know what could happen if he catches the champ with even one clean shot.

OUTLOOK

As scary as Alves is, he’s not a complete fighter. Georges St-Pierre can beat people in so many ways, and that allows him to change his strategy based on his opponent. He’ll have a set game plan in place to minimize Alves ‘ strengths. While GSP will certainly have to be careful, he’ll outclass the Pit Bull.

Best betting management pick: St-Pierre -300