Georges St. Pierre Set to Put More than his Title on the Line at UFC 124
by Kaleb Kelchner on Dec 8, 2010 12:22 PM EST
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PrintUFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre solidified his clean cut, champion's champion persona on this season of The Ultimate Fighter, when he coached alongside a classic bad guy in Josh Koscheck. Even with four straight title defenses since beating Matt Serra for the title in their second meeting, the Canadian has yet to peak in popularity, even though he's one of the UFC's biggest names. When Koscheck steps into the octagon this Saturday, there's much more than just a title Kos can take away from GSP, he's granted a golden opportunity to tarnish GSP's legacy, and swat down his rising star.
Since this season of TUF, GSP has been getting some love from sports giant ESPN, see below:
That's kind of a big deal, not so much a big deal for the sport, but for GSP himself. Don't get me wrong, ESPN and MMA together is great, but this does more for GSP than it does for the sport. Georges is quickly becoming an even bigger deal than he was before, he's not only a great fighter, but his popularity is infectious. So, that whole argument that wrestling is killing MMA, yeah, you can come up with some other doomsday story to write about, because GSP has become hugely popular all the while using his wrestling to dominate opponents. Let's not pretend he was anywhere near this popular before losing to Matt Serra, this storybook comeback is part of the GSP experience. Truthfully, that loss may be the greatest thing that has ever happened to GSP as a fighter, the strongest steel does go through the hottest fire.
Georges St. Pierre, I believe, is at the highest he's ever been in regards to popularity. A win against Josh Koscheck may send him to new heights. Personally, I'd like to see a world where GSP outdraws Brock Lesnar. A dominant, marketable, and great champion is something this sport needs to breach this plateau, much like Chuck Liddell led the way alongside the first season of TUF to set the UFC on the path to where we are now.
Saturday night marks a new chapter for Georges, win or lose. Should he win, he defeats a loud mouthed opponent when all eyes are on him, when it matters most, and when greater endorsements and sponsorships hang in the balance. Should he lose, he'll have to pick up the pieces, find out what went wrong, and come back strong if he wants to maintain his current value as a fighter. I have a feeling that Koscheck would love to derail GSP, and is well aware of what he is able to accomplish in victory, because there's not just a belt on the line, but a win streak, popularity, pride, and a legacy.
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GSP is a top 5 p4p fighter, no question
But at the same time I also think he:
- Has the personality of a robot. Simply put, he is not engaging.
- Admits to playing it safe and despite HANDILY beating the entire WW division already, he chooses to stay at WW and hopefully fight once every six months. He has no current desire to move up but instead fight rematches we already know the result to.
I just dont get hyped for when he fights, I dont know what it is.
Has the personality of a robot. Simply put, he is not engaging.
I find him very interesting, as do all my friends, so I’m not sure if it’s fair to say that he has the personality of a robot. He isn’t as brash as most other fighters, and rarely acts like a jerk, but I don’t view him as boring because of this.
"All the time he's boxing, he's thinking. All the time he was thinking, I was hitting him." - Jack Dempsey
by Drunken cutman on Dec 11, 2010 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
I think a loss to Kos might help his star even more. Thinking of it from a WWE centric build, a face never gets the same sort of emotional investment and love from the fans until after a strong heel beat him. The build up for the revenge match would be spectacular.
"Don’t quote old fucks to me" – Brent Brookhouse
I am a GSP fan, and hope he drops Kos in the first. That said …
A loss would be good too. I’m not keen on seeing AS knock out GSP a weight class up, but would enjoy watching GSP clean out the division a second time on his way back to a title shot. Assuming he is not injured, it would be great seeing GSP fight every three months through 2011 on his way back to the belt at the end of the year.
"I'd love to be a Cheick Kongo looking brother that could actually move and do a lot of funky stuff - Jiu Jitsu, takedowns, kicks and stuff." - Jon Jones.
"This is the internet: you either have soul-stopping power or you’re a pillow-fisted pansy. There is no middle ground." - woomikee
Princeton by Rear Furry Choke
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Sombody teach Sparty how to fight.
That dude is stacked.
Looks like he’s got an epic chin too.
"God bless....God."
Semper Fi'
Pain don't hurt...
His T/E ratio is off the charts
Reppin' the NYMMAI.
Black Lesnar aka Slap ya Favorite MMA Writer
Follow me on Twitter
Read me at WatchKalibRun . Imma write til the wheels fall off.
by S.C. Michaelson on Dec 8, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
When was the last time the guy the UFC wanted to win and did.
They promoted the Chuck vs Rampage title rematch it was mainly about Chuck and look how that turned out.
Earlier this year they finally looked like they were getting the hang of it (even though they had to resort to race baiting) with Brock vs Cain.
With GSP you have a super marketable fighter (until Bones/Davis fights for the belt) that should win and even though I think he will, the capricious nature of this sport does not inspire confidence.
People do not like to think. If one thinks, one must reach conclusions. Conclusions are not always pleasant.
- Helen Keller
