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This interview with Strikeforce lightweight world champion Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez was shot right after the recent Nick Diaz vs. KJ Noons rematch. So I’m not sure why it’s making the rounds now, but it is. And it’s always fun to hear people talk about how other people are going to beat Georges St. Pierre.

Could Diaz or Shields beat GSP? Anything is possible. I’d love to see either of those fights. But if I had to choose one of the two to beat GSP it would be Shields.

Here is the reasoning behind the pick, with full acknowledgment that GSP could end up smoking Shields. The simple reason is that I think Shields could take down GSP, and once there get GSP uncomfortable. Shields is a tremendously gifted grappler and could actually pose problems to GSP on the ground.

His resume as a ground fighter is very impressive:
→ Gracie B.J.J. Black Belt
→ 3rd at 2005 ADCC World Submission Championships
→ Pan American 2005 Jii Jitsu Champion
→ Pan Am Submission Advance Champion
→ 3X Grapplers Quest Advance Champion
Submission/Grappling Victories Over:
→ Leo Santos ( 7x Jui Jitsu World Champion and ADCC finalist
→ Viniciuse Magalhaes ( 3x BJJ World Champ. & Absoulte Champion)
→ Augusto Cesar (silver medalist at Jui Jitsu World Championships)

Will Shields be able to do it in April for the title? It wouldn’t be my prediction. But I also wouldn’t be surprised if he does beat GSP.