St. Pierre Vs. Shields UFC 129 Prediction

The Georges St. Pierre vs. Jake Shields matchup is one that fans of both UFC and Strikeforce have been waiting for and it's almost here. The St. Pierre vs. Shields predictions are rolling in and some think Shields has a shot at the upset, but does he really have what it takes?

Shields is one of the best combination jiu-jitsu player/wrestlers in the world and his style is so refined and unique that he is able to beat top fighters despite being an average striker.

While Shields was able to make short work of a bully on the MTV2 show "Bully Beatdown," his striking in MMA matches has proven to be mostly window dressing for him to work in and get takedowns.

Against GSP, Shields will have a hard time getting the takedown without the threat of landing some strikes.

His boxing has a long way to go to match the French Canadian GSP and that's why many people have St. Pierre as the victor over Shields in their predictions for UFC 129.

GSP showed excellent, crisp boxing in his win over Josh Koscheck, messing him up with jabs. Koscheck is considered a better striker than Shields in most circles and many are worried about Shields going up against a striker better than any he's ever faced.

GSP's striking is vastly underrated and seems to improve every single time he hits the Octagon, from kicks to jabs to the vaunted 'Superman" punch he never seems to run out of moves.

The x-factor is of course wrestling. Offensively, GSP is a master and one of the best at his craft despite a lack of high-level experience outside of MMA.

But Shields is of course one of the best all-around wrestlers in the business. He should be able to stop the takedown as long as he's not caught off guard.

If this one stays on the feet GSP has a huge edge, and that will prove to be the difference in this one. GSP is one of the better strikers in the division if not the best and he also seems to be a better athlete than Shields.

Shields is underrated but GSP is a legend and that will show in this one as he takes home a unanimous decision in an exciting fight for MMA purists.

UFC 129 prediction: St. Pierre over Shields by UD.