The nice thing about Tank was that he kept the UFC honest. Having competitors like him keeps the whole thing form just being a wrestling match. If you can’t handle a big, tough guy charge you with fists swinging, you shouldn’t be competing in MMA.
I did see that recent Tank fight. I think he’s gotten worse in every single appearance, whether you’re looking at muscle tone, stamina, or skill.
Most of the consensus at the martial arts board I hang out at some is that Hughes is going to win, but there are a few well thought out dissents, e.g., the only other time Hughes has faced a guy with ground skills approaching Royce’s level was when he fought B.J. Penn, who submitted him with a rear naked choke in the first round, therefore Royce will own him like a paid for car. Another point was Hughes’ trouble with Carlos Newton in their first fight, when he was caught pretty good in a triangle and won by picking him up to the ropes, dropping him to the floor and knocking him out.