Georges St-Pierre has opened up about his potential fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov. He reveals that both fighters were keen to make it happen, however, the UFC declined the proposal.
In an episode of Lex Fridman podcast, Georges recalls how the fight was on the cards two years ago. Unfortunately, the UFC had other plans for Khabib. Hence, the plan never came to fruition.
“I thought he was going to call me out,” claims Georges, who was the French commentator for Khabib’s last fight at UFC 254. Georges admits that fighting Khabib was ‘worth the risk’ and a very exciting proposition.
“Khabib has more of a style of chain wrestling I would say, like Kamaru Usman”. GSP gives an analysis of his opponent and how he would approach a fight with the Russian. Interestingly, the Canadian is not afraid of Khabib’s wrestling, rather, he sees it as an opportunity.
“I would’ve want(ed) to force the fight in a fighting distance, in a shoot-box distance, not a wrestling distance”. The retired welterweight champion believes that a potential fight would’ve been a very tactical and entertaining fight.
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Will Khabib Nurmagomedov Ever Return?
Previously, Georges has also called the Russian the ‘scariest pound for pound fighter’. However, people still disagree as they feel he did not defend the title long enough. Notably, Khabib made his title defenses against the likes of McGregor, Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.
Khabib retired after successfully defending his title for the last time against Justin Gaethje. Unfortunately, he had lost his father Abdulmanap just before the fight to COVID 19 in mid-2020. As a result, he vowed to his mother that he would not fight again.
Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia (top) attempts to submit Dustin Poirier in their lightweight championship bout during UFC 242. (Credits: Getty Images)
Even after Dana White’s consistent efforts, Khabib chose to stay in retirement. As a result, his 29-0 ‘flawless’ record stays intact for now. Interestingly, both Khabib and GSP have an agreement with the UFC which does not allow them to fight elsewhere.
Whilst many feel that this is unfortunate, it could also indicate that the UFC may still have future plans for the pair. If so, it will take a lot of convincing to both fighters in order to bring them back for a ‘legacy’ fight.
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