There’s no denying the fact that Georges St. Pierre belongs to the greatest MMA fighters of all time. With this victory over Michael Bisping at the UFC 217, he became one of the only four fighters in the history of the UFC to champion in two different weight classes.
GSP Greatest Welterweight in History
When St-Pierre returned to the ring to challenge Bisping for the Middleweight Championship belt, he wasn’t exactly the same guy you used to remember back in the day. He stood as a muscular version of himself, oh and slower. But that’s what happens when you’re four years older and carrying more weight. However, lest you forget the greatness of the one and only GSP, let us not forget that he was the best welterweight fighter in history. He hasn’t lost a fight in ten years and lost only twice when that moved up to 15. St-Pierre racked up an impressive 25-2 record before announcing his hiatus four years earlier.
Ring Rust for the GSP?
A lot of eyebrows were raised as to ring rust and whether this would be apparent in GSP’s form, but his performance at the UFC 217 erased any question right away. He may be a new middleweight but the first round was scored in his favor. He stalked Bisping and even threw his first takedown in the final minutes of the first round. The second round was a mixed bag as you can visibly see that GSP slowed down a bit, giving Bisping the advantage. Bisping landed more hits with regularity, however, St-Pierre still landed another takedown to the shock and wonder of many. GSP scored another takedown once again in the third round but Bisping proved to be a worthy opponent as he lasted through GSP’s ground-and-pound. The final and third round was scored in favor of St-Pierre as Bisping was not able to react to a rear-naked choke. Bisping didn’t tap out and simply slipped away into unconsciousness, as did his championship reign.
GSP Back with a Bang
During his four year hiatus, you get to hear GSP mentioned less and less. UFC President Dana White even buried him as the guy simply “didn’t want to fight” in every chance he got. With his name not mentioned in the mix anymore, everyone was wondering whether St-Pierre would ever come back or he’ll stay off the octagon for good. Those thoughts were laid to rest as soon as GSP issued his formal challenge to Bisping, essentially coming out of his retirement.
But after securing his victory and becoming the new Middleweight Champion, the GSP doesn’t sound committed to staying in his new weight division. According to statement made by GSP, he says “This is not my real weight, I did it for the challenge.”
If that’s the case, it was a challenge that made everyone shout out the name of Georges St-Pierre, bringing him once more to where his name and accomplishments truly belong – with the greatest UFC fighters of all time.