Georges St. Pierre Has Responded to Khabib Nurmagamedov’s Callout and it is Not Looking Good…
The belt was hardly around Khabib Nurmagamedov’s waist before he called out Georges St. Pierre to fight for the lightweight title. The new 155-pound champion has identified St. Pierre as one of two men who could be his potential next opponent. Of course, the other is Conor McGregor.
Khabib took the lightweight title after five rounds against Al Iaquinta, with the judges awarding him a unanimous decision victory. In truth, while Iaquinta showed heart, Khabib was dominant throughout, particularly in rounds one, two and five. He took down ‘Raging Al’ time and time again, raining down ground and pound onto his helpless opponent.
In his post-fight interview, he was quick to call out St. Pierre. The Canadian legend made his comeback in 2017, after a four-year hiatus, when he took the middleweight strap from Michael Bisping. It is expected that if he fights again it will be at a lighter weight. ‘Rush’ has responded to Khabib’s challenge.
Call Out
Khabib value legacy over money, although a fight against St. Pierre would offer him both in abundance. The Russian has an immaculate 26-0 professional record, with ten straight wins in the UFC. ‘The Eagle’ told the media:
“Why not? Me vs. Georges St-Pierre. If I beat Conor or if I beat Georges St-Pierre, which one is better for my legacy? Maybe for money, it’s Conor, but for legacy, it’s Georges St-Pierre. But we don’t know about money too because me vs. Georges St-Pierre is going to be a big fight.”
Why not indeed? It would certainly be a glamorous bout. The UFC’s first Russian champion against arguably the greatest fighter ever to fight in the welterweight division. That last bit is key though. After his last appearance at middleweight, would St. Pierre make that savage cut to 155?
Not Interested
Unfortunately for Khabib, St. Pierre doesn’t seem particularly interested in this fight right now. The Quebec native is currently recovering from cognitive colitis and it is uncertain when – or even if – he will be returning to the octagon. St. Pierre told Ariel Helwani:
“I feel UFC and Khabib got unfinished business before I try to make a step in here to go for the 155 title”.
He has a point. There’s definitely UFC business on the horizon and it is looking like it’s Irish. Conor McGregor is on Khabib’s hitlist after the ludicrous incident last week when he attacked a press bus that was carrying the Russian and the other red corner fighters back to their hotel from Brooklyn’s Barclay Center.
Total Respect
Nurmagamedov isn’t shy to trash talk, but when it comes to St. Pierre he has nothing but respect. He was insistent that if that fight were to happen it would happen at lightweight, not welterweight. However, he isn’t holding his breath.
“Only respect, only respect, but if you guys ask me about is he going to come back or no? I’m going to say no,” Nurmagomedov said. “He already greatest athlete in UFC. Why he come back? For what?”
At St. Pierre’s age and with a whole rack of wars behind him, it might be too much for him to come back and fight arguably the most frightening fighter in the UFC today. However, it’s important to remember one thing: Georges St. Pierre will do whatever he wants, and he’ll do it with class.
