http://mmajunkie.com/2007/12/13/cont...-yahoo-sports/
Quote:
He blamed it Wednesday on problems cutting weight. He said he walks around at 212 and said he’d be better fighting in the light heavyweight division, which has a 205-pound limit. Filho, who is only 5 feet 10, said those close to him encourage him to fight at 185 because of his height.
But Filho has a stocky build and said he weighed 203 when he arrived in Las Vegas on Saturday.
“I’m not here to make any excuses,” said Filho, who is now 16-0. “You have to take your hat off to Sonnen. He came with a very good game plan. He’s a very tough wrestler. He knew how to utilize his strengths to do what he had to do.“
|
Quote:
|
Filho has a big decision to make, because he can’t perform the way he did and keep the title much longer. He said he’s not used to cutting weight and said he’s going to consider whether he should move to light heavyweight.
|
Quote:
|
I won and that’s the important thing,” Filho said. “I did what I came to do, which is win and keep the belt. I’m sorry if the fans didn’t think I was myself, but it was hard with the weight.
|
Wow. First off, him continually making weight still astounds me. He's eventually not gonna be able to cut. But, for now its working for him...bigtime. If he really weighed 203 at the time of the fight Saturday night, thats a huge advantage. Gaining 18 pounds between weigh ins and the fight is the biggest jump I've heard of.
Second, a move to LHW would be awful for him. His striking is bad and he has to be on top to favor his style of fighting. He wouldn't have the power advantage anymore and I don't think he would do that good.
Discuss.