Evaluating the Champs: Georges St. Pierre
Continuing our look at the champions of the UFC this week, today we'll look at current welterweight champion, Georges 'Rush' St. Pierre.
Between UFC 64 and UFC 83, a period of less than two years, there were a total of eight title changes across each weight class. Compare that to the UFC of today, where you will find the combined length of title reign for the five champions is well over 3000 days.
What a difference a few years makes.
Right now, the UFC finds itself on uncommon ground. All five of their champions are the best in the world in their weight class (a guy who defeats recycled UFC champions for lesser promotions is not the top heavyweight in the world anymore...sorry), and honestly, there are very few guys out there that will challenge any of these champs.
Simply put, the UFC is in the midst of a historical era in mixed martial arts. Breaking it down:
- Of the five champions, three are a lock for the UFC Hall of Fame (arbitrary I know, but BJ Penn, Anderson Silva, and Georges St. Pierre would make any MMA Hall of Fame)
- Taking it one step further, you'd have a hard time arguing these three are not the greatest fighters of all-time in their weight classes
- The other two (Lyoto Machida and Brock Lesnar) are both very early on in their career, yet already look like they could some day be HOF worthy
- Three guys are a fight away from completely cleaning out their division (Silva and GSP are probably already there)
- None of the above 5 have lost a fight in the last two years, except for BJ, but his lone loss came from fellow champ GSP
Impressive to say the least.
Nonetheless, as good as these guys are, they will all taste defeat at some point. It's the nature of the sport, and everyone is one punch or one bad decision away from being beaten. So while it will happen, who knows when or by who? Hopefully this primer will help figure that out.
Georges 'Rush' St. Pierre – 19-2
How He Got Here – def. Matt Serra via TKO on May 23, 2008
Title Defenses – 4 (Jon Fitch, BJ Penn, Thiago Alves, Dan Hardy)
What Makes Him So Good?
Along with Anderson Silva, Georges St. Pierre is the most well-rounded fighter in the world. He has trained in Kyokushin karate since the age of 7, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and possesses top notch striking and wrestling . Although he lacks the pedigree of more established wrestler in the division, GSP has easily outwrestled future Hall of Famer Matt Hughes and NCAA National Champion and All-American Josh Koscheck. Couple these things with the fact that he works with the best trainer in the game, Greg Jackson, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a physical weakness with the man.
In addition to his physical ability, St. Pierre is one of the smartest tacticians in MMA. He walks a fine line of confidence and cockiness, not allowing himself to get ahead of his next opponent (going so far as deeming Dan Hardy the toughest opponents of his career in recent interviews…apparently, BJ Penn, Matt Hughes, and Jon Fitch aren't quite in Hardy's league). He faltered in this regard against Matt Serra, but since then, GSP has lived by the idea that his next fight could be his last.
Few fighters work harder at their craft than St. Pierre, who seems obsessed with success. He has the physical tools, the mental ability, and he's only 28 years old. There is no reason to think GSP won't be at the top of this sport for the next decade.
What It Will Take To Beat Him
Matt Serra pulled off one of, if not the, biggest upsets in UFC history when he defeated St. Pierre in 2007. A solid right hand to St. Pierre's jaw and a flurry of punches later, Matt Serra overcame 11-1 odds to win the welterweight title. Since that fight, Georges St. Pierre has looked untouchable. He handled Matt Hughes, dominated Serra in a rematch, and in the signature fight of his career, dominated BJ Penn over 4 rounds to retain his title via TKO.
Barring another performance like Matt Serra's, it is unlikely that GSP will lose his belt anytime soon. He has dominated his division to the point where the UFC deemed Dan Hardy (Dan–bleeping-Hardy?), as the most recent number 1 contender. Serra proved that you can rock St. Pierre, but most agree that was a product of a lackadaisical GSP overlooking his opponent. Considering how meticulous 'Rush' is in his preparation for his fights, its hard to imagine he would make this mistake again.
So Who's Next?
Now more than ever, its time for Anderson Silva and Georges St. Pierre to fight. They are two men with nothing left to prove in their weight classes, and aside from maybe Brock vs. Fedor, there is no fight in MMA that would get fans more excited than this. Again, what better time to make it happen then August 28th in Boston?
As far as the welterweight division goes, there isn't much left for GSP. Jon Fitch continues to breeze through the rest of the welterweight division, but in their battle at UFC 87, St. Pierre proved that hes on another level than Fitch. Some have speculated that BJ Penn may move up in weight if he defeats Frankie Edgar, but what more does GSP have to prove against him? Paulo Thiago and Paul Daley are both up and coming talents with deadly stand-up, but there is no reason to think St. Pierre wouldn't handle them also. Koscheck? Nate Diaz? Matt Hughes part 3? There really isnt much left.
Bring on 'The Spider.' Its time for Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva to battle.
Check back tomorrow, where we will take a look at current middleweight champion, Anderson Silva.
The Champs: BJ Penn - Georges St. Pierre - Anderson Silva - Lyoto Machida - Brock Lesnar
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