Georges St. Pierre is without a doubt one of the best UFC fighters in the history of the sport. Last night’s controversial victory over Johny Hendricks marked his 9th Welterweight Title defense.
After the fight, GSP announced that he’ll be taking some time off from the sport to take care of some business in his personal life. Was that statement the truth, or was it just a nice way of telling Dana White that he’s retiring?
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As far as GSP’s legacy goes, St. Pierre would be better off not retiring right now.
GSP broke on the UFC scene as one of the most exciting fighters ever, as he was able to finish off opponents with tactical striking, world class ground and pound, or perfectly executed submissions.
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12 of GSP’s first 17 wins came via a KO, TKO, or a submission. That’s changed recently though.
GSP has won his last seven fights via decision, with his last stoppage coming on January 31st 2009.
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Instead of trying to finish fights, GSP seems content with slowly imposing his will on opponents, holding them down for 5 rounds while peppering his opponent with light punches. Some of these fights have been exciting, such as his win over Carlos Condit in 2012 that won the Fight of the Night award.
Last night’s fight against Johny Hendricks was entertaining, but it wasn’t the vintage GSP fans are accustomed to seeing. For the first time, GSP looked vulnerable, as Hendricks landed some huge left hands throughout the fight.
GSP will go down as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, but he needs to go out on top. Last night’s split decision victory over Johny Hendricks is not how Georges St. Pierre wants to end his career.
The proper send off for the Canadian Welterweight Champion would be a dominating title fight performance ending with some sort of stoppage, or a 5-round beat down of another fighter.
GSP is on the back end of his career, but last night won’t be the last we’ll see him step in the octagon.
