Issue 037
May 2008
Easily one of the deepest divisions in the sport, there are literally dozens of high-class 170lb fighters throughout the world. The lion’s share of the best talent around belongs to the UFC, and along with the lightweights, the welterweight category is one of their most competitive (and popular) divisions.
Georges St. Pierre 12-4-1
Montreal, Quebec
In Brief
The most naturally athletic fighter in the game, an awesome all-rounder and fan favourite, GSP is one of the UFC’s top stars.
The Good
Athleticism, speed, strength, balance, flexibility and power. GSP’s got it all.
The Bad
Physically, not much to report. Mentally, he has suffered from lack of focus due to ‘believing the hype’.
Notable Achievements
Trouncing Matt Hughes for the UFC welterweight title (twice).
Must-see fight
His most recent demolition of Hughes gave an idea of what GSP is truly capable of, and it was spectacular.
Matt Serra
9-4-0
Long Island, New York.
In Brief
Stocky, brash and uncompromising, Serra is a jiu-jitsu specialist with suprisingly heavy hands.
The Good
A cracking right hand and some of the most technical jiu-jitsu you’re ever likely to see. Has a tons of heart.
The Bad
His physical stature can put him at a slight disadvantage against bigger welterweights, as seen in his fight with Karo Parisyan.
Notable Achievements
Usurping GSP as champion in the Canadian’s first title defence, also earning his title shot by way of winning the fourth series of The Ultimate Fighter.
Must-see fight
Essential viewing for a full picture of Serra’s skills is his tussle with Ivan Menjivar.
Jake Shields
20-4-1
San Jose, California.
In Brief
One of the strongest and most talented wrestlers in the welterweight division, EliteXC champ Shields hasn’t lost in nine fights.
The Good
His wresting pedigree, his resilience and his training (he is based in Fairtex and counts Gilbert Melendez as a training partner).
The Bad
Typically of strong wrestlers, Shields has been criticised for sometimes playing ‘lay and prey’.
Notable Achievements
Went 4-0 in 2007 with a succession of first round stoppages. Holds the EliteXC 170lb strap.
Must-see fight
His ‘twice in a night’ wins over Yushin Okami and Carlos Condit in the Rumble on the Rock tournament.
Carlos Condit
22-4-0. Albuquerque,
New Mexico.
In Brief
A superb grappler and the reigning WEC welterweight champ, Condit is one of the division’s bright young talents.
The Good
Tal for his weight class, he has a relentless and dangerous attacking style of submission grappling.
The Bad
Goes to his back a tad too easily, which leaves him at a disadvantage to ‘lay and prey’ fighters.
Notable Achievements
Winning and defending the WEC welterweight championship at only 24 years of age.
Must-see fight
His dramatic second round submission victory over John Alessio.
Jon Fitch
17-2-0 San Jose, California.
In Brief
UFC welterweight contender and super-strong wrestler out of the American Kickboxing Academy.
The Good
Excellent submission grappling skills and some of the best training partners you could hope for.
The Bad
So far his only real problem has been lack of exposure, but this could change soon.
Notable Achievements
He hasn’t lost in 15 fights, but chances of glory have eluded him so far.
Must-see fight
His stoppage of Roan Carneiro is one of his most entertaining fights.
Karo Parisyan
18-4-0,
Los Angeles, California.
In Brief
Cocky judo-specialist who is as known for his trash talking as he is for his huge throws.
The Good
Decent boxing, good submissions and awesome throws. A threat in every area.
The Bad
His fitness. He always looks a bit soft, and cardio has been one of his downfalls.
Notable Achievements
Going pro at 16 years old, he defeated men much older than himself. So far no
titles to his name.
Must-see fight
His amazing back-and-forth bad-blood battle with Diego Sanchez, one of the best fights of 2006.
Jay Hieron
14-4-0
Las Vegas, USA
In Brief
Intense and explosive IFL champ out of Xtreme Couture, where he is also a key member of the coaching staff.
The Good
Good striking, excellent wrestling. Always brings the pressure to his opponents.
The Bad
Has never performed well on the larger stage, but seems at home in the IFL.
Notable Achievements
Took the IFL’s welterweight title in December last year by defeating Delson Heleno.
Must-see fight
If you can find it, his encounter with Jonathon Goulet, a fight Dana White describes as one of the bloodiest he had ever seen.
