"He represents real mixed martial arts" - Khabib Nurmagomedov explains what makes Georges St-Pierre 'special'
Khabib Nurmagomedov has nothing but praise for Georges St-Pierre.
In an interview with Daniel Cormier, the longest-reigning UFC lightweight champion mentioned that 'GSP' was one of the sport's first truly well-rounded fighters.
Speaking of Georges St-Pierre's skills, 'The Eagle' said:
"I think he was first fighter who become a well-rounded fighter. He can strike, he can wrestle, he can take you down, he can hold you there, he can give crazy ground and pound. He can do a lot of submission. My opinion on that time, he was like first in UFC. You know he represents real mixed martial arts."
Nurmagomedov also revealed that Georges St-Pierre was his father's favorite fighter. He also often advised Khabib to learn from Pierre's fighting style.
'The Eagle' said:
"I think he was my father's favourite fighter. He all the time tell me "Look at how he use his hips when he take down people. Look at how he use his elbows, how he use his hips. How he stand up ground and pound with elbow." My opinion, he show me this ground and pounds things."
Nurmagomedov also acknowledged that Georges St-Pierre took MMA to the next level particularly in Canada, where there was a large fan following for hockey.
Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov's full interview with Daniel Cormier below:
Here's what @TeamKhabib told @dc_mma about his respect for @GeorgesStPierre and his thoughts on their potential fight 👀
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Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov decline a fight with Georges St-Pierre?
In the past, both Nurmagomedov and St-Pierre had expressed interest in fighting each other. Nurmagomedov mentioned 'Rush' as an ideal opponent for his 30th fight before his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 last October.
However, the then lightweight champion retired in October last year following the death of his father. As a result of this this, the fight never happened.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Nurmagomedov claimed that UFC President Dana White tried to offer him a fight with 'GSP' which he turned down. Nurmagomedov claimed that he was done with the sport and had no plans of returning to the octagon no matter what offer was put in front of him.
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired at the peak of his career with an undefeated record of 29-0. Meanwhile, 'Rush' was a two-division champion in the UFC, having won titles in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. He officially retired in 2019 after his last fight against Michael Bisping back in 2017.
Both of them are considered one of the best MMA fighters in the world. The fight between these two MMA icons would have been a show stealer had it taken place.
"Show me something spectacular and make me want to come back and fight."
@danawhite explained to @Jon_Anik what @TeamKhabib told him during their meeting, addressing the lightweights fighting at #UFC257 https://t.co/oFr4TmCNI3