Georges St-Pierre
Georges “Rush” St-Pierre is a French-Canadian mixed martial artist born on May 19th 1981. Often referred to as ‘GSP’, he is the former three time welterweight champion of the UFC. He is widely considered as the greatest welterweights of all time, with some calling him the best mixed martial artist ever. He has a black belts in Kyokushin Karate, BJJ, Gaidojutsu and Shidokan.
Georges St-Pierre grew up in Saint Isidore, Quebec. He had a difficult childhood where bullies would steal his clothes and money. He started training Kyokushin Karate at seven years old under his father. Later he started training under a Kyokushin Karate Master, in order to defend himself against his bullies. When GSP was 16 years old he started wrestling, BJJ and boxing, after the tragic death of his teacher.
Georges St-Pierre’s career before the UFC
Georges St-Pierre made his pro MMA debut in 2002 against veteran Ivan Menjivar. St-Pierre defeated Menjivar by TKO in the first round. He continued winning 6 more fights, beating tough fighters like Thomas “Wild Man” Denny and Pete Spratt.
After the victory over Spratt, GSP was signed to the UFC.
Georges St-Pierre’s career in the UFC
Georges St-Pierre made his UFC debut against Karo “The Heat” Parisyan at UFC 46 – Supernatural. GSP dominated the fight and won by unanimous decision. In his next fight he took on up and comer Jay Hieron and defeated him by TKO in the first round.
GSP got the chance to fight for the vacant UFC Welterweight title against Matt Hughes. After GSP over committed to a kimura, Hughes went for an armbar and got the tap in the last second of the first round.
GSP had one fight outside the UFC but came back with a vengeance. He defeated Jason Miller, Frank Trigg, Sean Sherk and B.J. Penn to get another shot at the championship.
Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Hughes II
The two faced off in the main event of UFC 65 – Bad Intentions. GSP destroyed his idol with a headkick and punches in the 2nd round and fell to his knees in tears after he realized he was the champion.
He lost the title in his very next fight against The Ultimate Fighter winner Matt “The Terror” Serra. Most people believed Serra, a BJJ black belt wanted to take GSP to the ground, but Serra had other plans. He connected with an overhand right to the temple of GSP who was on wobbly legs. Serra followed up and earned a TKO victory in the very first round.
While Serra was nursing injuries, GSP fought and defeated Josh Koshcheck and won the interim welterweight belt with a submission win over Matt Hughes.
Georges St-Pierre vs. Matt Serra II
The two rematched in the main event of UFC 83 – Serra vs. St-Pierre 2. GSP dominated Serra and finished him with knees to the body on the ground to unify the titles.
After defeating Serra GSP went on a tear in the welterweight division, defending his belt a record 9 times against fighters like B.J. Penn, Jon Fitch, Thiago Alves, Jake Shields, Dan Hardy, Carlos Condit, Nick Diaz and Johny Hendricks. After the fight with Hendricks GSP said that he was taking an extended break from the sport, citing head trauma and rampand PED use as two of the main factors.
Georges St-Pierre’s next fight in the UFC
Georges St-Pierre faces middleweight champion Michael “The Count” Bisping at UFC 217: Bisping vs. St-Pierre in Madison Square Garden, New York on November 4th.
