Georges St-Pierre, often hailed as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, recently stirred up the MMA world with his surprising pick for the top spot on his MMA Mount Rushmore. While attending a fan Q&A session at UFC 315 in Montreal, GSP named Royce Gracie as his number one, a choice that snubbed other legendary fighters like Jon Jones. This decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, given St-Pierre’s own illustrious career and his deep understanding of the sport.
St-Pierre’s career is marked by an impressive welterweight title run and a triumphant return to win the middleweight belt at UFC 217. His insight into what makes a fighter truly great carries significant weight. This article will delve into GSP’s reasoning behind his selection, explore the other names he considered, and examine why Royce Gracie holds such a special place in his MMA pantheon. We’ll also touch on St-Pierre’s involvement at UFC 315 and his potential future roles in the sport.
Georges St-Pierre’s MMA Mount Rushmore
When asked about his MMA Mount Rushmore, Georges St-Pierre initially listed several iconic fighters. However, he made it clear that if he were to include himself, the list would be different. Despite this humility, it’s hard to argue against GSP’s own place among the greats, considering his nine consecutive title defenses in the UFC—the third-most in the promotion’s history.
During the fan Q&A, St-Pierre mentioned names such as Chuck Liddell, Anderson Silva, and Fedor Emelianenko as potential candidates. He also highlighted fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jose Aldo, recognizing their significant contributions to the sport. St-Pierre acknowledged that picking just four names is a challenging task, given the depth of talent in MMA history. He stated, “Well, there’s a lot of guys that can be there. First, Chuck Liddell, Anderson Silva, Fedor Emelianenko…”.
“Also, Khabib Nurmagomedov could be there because he brought the sport to a different level. Prime Jose Aldo, prime Dominick Cruz, there’s a lot of guys that could be there.”
Royce Gracie: GSP’s Top Pick
The conversation took an interesting turn when David Loiseau, another prominent figure in Canadian MMA, suggested Royce Gracie for consideration. St-Pierre didn’t just agree; he emphatically named Gracie as his number one pick. This choice underscores the profound impact Gracie had on the early days of MMA and his role in popularizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a global scale. GSP stated, “, for me, is my number one.”
Royce Gracie’s influence on MMA is undeniable. He demonstrated the effectiveness of BJJ against larger, stronger opponents, proving that technique and strategy could overcome size and power. Gracie’s performances in the early UFC tournaments were pivotal in shaping the sport and inspiring countless fighters to incorporate grappling into their arsenals. His influence extends beyond just winning fights; he changed the way people viewed martial arts.
Gracie’s early UFC wins were a revelation, showcasing the dominance of ground fighting and submission techniques. Despite facing opponents with diverse backgrounds, Gracie consistently found ways to impose his will and secure victories. His legacy is built on the foundation of demonstrating that a smaller, skilled fighter could defeat larger, more physically imposing opponents through superior technique and strategy. This is why, for St-Pierre, Gracie stands above the rest.
The Apparent Snub of Jon Jones
Notably absent from St-Pierre’s initial list was Jon Jones, a fighter often considered among the greatest by many fans and pundits. Jones’s omission is significant, given his dominance in the light heavyweight division and his numerous title defenses. While St-Pierre didn’t explicitly dismiss Jones, his failure to include him in his initial Mount Rushmore sparked speculation and discussion among MMA enthusiasts.
Jon Jones has faced controversies throughout his career, which may have influenced St-Pierre’s decision. Despite his undeniable talent and achievements, Jones’s personal issues and run-ins with the law have cast a shadow over his legacy. It’s possible that St-Pierre considered these factors when formulating his list, prioritizing fighters with a cleaner public image and fewer controversies.
The discussion around Jon Jones’s place in MMA history is complex and multifaceted. While his skills and accomplishments are undeniable, his off-duty behavior has undoubtedly affected his public perception. St-Pierre’s choice to exclude Jones from his initial list reflects the subjective nature of these kinds of discussions, where factors beyond just in-cage performance can influence opinions.
GSP’s Role at UFC 315 and Beyond
Georges St-Pierre wasn’t just a spectator at UFC 315; he had an active role during the fight week. He cornered his teammate, Olivier Aubin-Mercier, as he faced Jose Aldo. St-Pierre’s presence in Aubin-Mercier’s corner provided invaluable support and guidance, drawing from his own extensive experience in high-stakes fights. Beyond cornering his teammate, there was speculation that St-Pierre might have a more prominent role during the event itself.
There was discussion about St-Pierre potentially presenting the welterweight belt to the winner of the main event between Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards. St-Pierre expressed that it would be an “honor” to wrap the belt around the champion’s waist, highlighting his continued respect for the sport and its athletes. This gesture would have been a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation of welterweight champions to the next.
St-Pierre’s continued involvement in the MMA community underscores his passion for the sport and his desire to contribute to its growth. Whether it’s through coaching, mentoring, or ceremonial roles, GSP remains an influential figure in the world of mixed martial arts. His insights and experiences continue to shape the sport, even as he transitions into new phases of his career.
The Enduring Legacy of Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive record and championship titles. He is revered as a role model for his dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship. His impact on Canadian MMA is particularly significant, inspiring a new generation of fighters to pursue their dreams in the sport. St-Pierre’s success has helped elevate the profile of MMA in Canada and paved the way for other Canadian athletes to achieve international recognition.
St-Pierre’s approach to training and competition is characterized by meticulous preparation and a relentless pursuit of improvement. He constantly sought to evolve his skills, incorporating elements from various martial arts disciplines to create a well-rounded and effective fighting style. His commitment to excellence set a high standard for other athletes and inspired countless individuals to strive for greatness in their own endeavors.
In conclusion, Georges St-Pierre’s surprising pick of Royce Gracie for his MMA Mount Rushmore underscores the lasting impact of Gracie’s contributions to the sport. While other legendary fighters like Jon Jones may have been omitted, St-Pierre’s choice reflects his deep understanding of MMA history and his appreciation for those who paved the way for future generations. As GSP continues to contribute to the sport in various capacities, his legacy as one of the greatest of all time remains secure.
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