It's been over seven years since UFC GOAT Georges St-Pierre laid down his gloves, though the legendary 'Rush' hasn't slowed down one bit.
In a recent interview with former rival Matt Serra, the last man to defeat GSP in the UFC octagon, 'Rush' revealed that he remains busy running several businesses, selling everything from fitness equipment to vodka.
Still, one of the most satisfying parts of his post-UFC career has been teaching instructional seminars to the next generation of fighters – so what's the one thing he's noticed about this new crop of athletes?
Photo by Marc Piasecki/Getty Images
Georges St-Pierre offers hopeful UFC players a crucial tip for finding success
One of the most interesting parts of the hour-long interview was when Serra asked his former foe why so many of this new generation of UFC fighters seem to “fall off the rails” as soon as they smell success.
“Well, I think that's because a lot of the new generation watches Conor McGregor and because he made a lot of money being a good trash talker – and this is who he is, he's very good at it – but some people try to do that. create a character around themselves.
“And it shows [the fans] that it is not authentic; I just try to stay authentic to who I am, and I didn't need any of that nonsense.”
Georges St-Pierre noted that because English wasn't his native language, he didn't have the repertoire to speak like fellow superstars like Chael Sonnen or the aforementioned McGregor – but he didn't have to, because “I do my word'. in the octagon.
“If you stay authentic to who you are, I think it's more charismatic than if you try to play someone you're not.
“I think at some point that becomes visible and I think that's the problem with a lot of guys: they want to make money, they want to have more eyes. [on them] and gain more exposure so they talk nonsense.
Matt Serra made GSP feel like an 'idiot' with incredible upset
After Georges St-Pierre knocked out Matt Hughes to claim welterweight gold in late 2006, the popular Canadian was widely considered to be as close to 'invincible' as he could get.
But just a few months later, fans would witness perhaps the biggest upset in MMA history when veteran wrestler Serra finished GSP with strikes in the very first round.
“I tapped strikes and I'm not afraid to say it because there's something in our sports people that says, 'You tapped strikes – you quit,' but man, it's a sport; we are not at war.”
“Matt Serra really surprised me because I was more concerned about his ground game than his standup. When he caught me, I remember getting emotional because I wanted to give it back to him straight away.'
'Rush' would explain how he felt like 'an idiot' for being forced to abandon his typically clean fighting style and accidentally ending up in a brawl.
“If you are bewildered, you are not accurate because you are dizzy. He was accurate and he hit very hard… Because I didn't know where I was, I tapped out. I'd rather save myself for another day.”
GSP certainly saved themselves for another day, finishing Serra in their 2008 rematch in the second round.
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