A Peek at Georges St. Pierre: the Champion Looks Bigger
Georges St. Pierre was recently named the Canadian Athlete of the Year for 2009, which marks his second year in a row winning the title. He beat out Sindey Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins to win it by a vote of 64-36. The award itself is news, but perhaps more interesting is the video of St. Pierre accepting the award.
As I was watching the video, Georges St. Pierre's increase in muscle and overall size struck me immediately. His arms and chest are bigger. Dave Meltzer spoke with St. Pierre in mid-November, and got the story on St. Pierre's new size:
He's up from his usual 187-188 pounds as his walk-around weight to 195-196, and said he's slowly developing muscle that he will maintain. At the same time, he emphasized that his athletic performance comes second to his health, and despite competing in a dangerous sport, he is not going to take any steps that would hinder his long-term well-being.
The 28-year old St. Pierre said that if he gets up to 200 pounds, he may have to move up a weight class. He's noted that he goes against middleweights, light heavyweights and heavyweights in training all the time, and does very well against them.
It's very possible that Georges St. Pierre is going to grow his way out of the welterweight division and into the middleweight division. BJ Penn is still hoping to move to 170 to eventually go after St. Pierre, but he may find that by the time he gets there his white whale has migrated to another body of water.
My guess is both Penn and St. Pierre have two fights left in their current divisions. If they both win out, we could see something unprecedented in the UFC: a simultaneous shift up for two champions. At 170, there are intriguing fights for Penn against Thiago Alves, Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Dan Hardy, Carlos Condit, Anthony Johnson, and many others. At 185, St. Pierre has a plethora of intriguing options, including Anderson Silva, Demian Maia, Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva, Michael Bisping, and maybe even Rich Franklin.
The only roadblock to St. Pierre's move to 185 is Nate Marquardt. GSP is unwilling to move up and jump ahead of or fight his friend, so he will wait and see how Nate does in his quest for the title. If he loses to Sonnen (unlikely) or Silva (likely), then I think we'll see St. Pierre take the plunge.
I have mixed feelings about the two moves. On one hand, it will provide a lot more intriguing fights on PPV in late 2010 and into 2011 and 2012. On the other hand, there's something to be said for long periods of dominant champions. Unfortunately, in a sport where people have to pay $50 to see the important shows, you have to bow to the consumer, and the consumer may not be interested in seeing BJ Penn walk all over the Tyson Griffins of the world.
LA Platinum Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Lyoto Machida, BJ Penn, Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo Posts : 15046 Join date : 2009-07-15 Age : 37 Location : Boston, Mass and Los Angeles, California
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 2:33 am
He probably wants tougher fights, which would come at MW, I like the simultaneous shift theory, BJ to WW and GSP to MW
redvexx8 Green Belt
Posts : 690 Join date : 2009-10-01 Location : ATL
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 2:45 am
Hes been bigger for a while. You could tell it after the Serra loss when he changed his strength and conditioning coach.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:53 am
His shoulders look huge.
Bigs03 Black Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Fedor and GSP Posts : 3124 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 44 Location : Houston, TX
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 10:22 am
He's obviously gearing up for a superfight against Anderson. He said he would take his time and put on the size right, he's doing just that. He's going to beat Anderson.
captain organic Bronze Belt
Posts : 7730 Join date : 2009-07-15 Location : NJ
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 10:27 am
[quote="Bigs03"]He's obviously gearing up for a superfight against Anderson. He said he would take his time and put on the size right, he's doing just that. He's going to beat Anderson.[/quote]
Ha, no way.
EliteAcidBurn Green Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : GSP Posts : 515 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 48 Location : Halifax,Nova Scotia
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:13 am
I think he has a great chance to beat the spider
ohiovol62 Purple Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Sakuraba, Fedor, GSP, and Big Nog Posts : 1079 Join date : 2009-09-11 Age : 39 Location : Dayton Ohio
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:36 am
Zero chance to beat spider. Anderson walks around at 220
EliteAcidBurn Green Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : GSP Posts : 515 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 48 Location : Halifax,Nova Scotia
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:37 am
well i guess we will see..
ohiovol62 Purple Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Sakuraba, Fedor, GSP, and Big Nog Posts : 1079 Join date : 2009-09-11 Age : 39 Location : Dayton Ohio
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:43 am
Not taking anything away from GSP either. He would be a great HW. I've thought for a couple years now that Anderson should move up. I mean Forrest is huge for a LHW and he didn't look much bigger than Anderson at all IMO, in fact they looked about the same
Bigs03 Black Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Fedor and GSP Posts : 3124 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 44 Location : Houston, TX
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 12:31 pm
Saying GSP has no chance against Anderson is just stupid. He has the tools to beat anyone and they will be similar in size when they fight. In fact, I would argue that GSP, continuing on the path of gaining weight and lean muscle, may be bigger and stronger than Anderson when they fight.
That being said, GSP has the wrestling ability and tools to beat anyone barring a huge size difference. He can beat Anderson and I believe he will.
thedarkwingduck2k50 Yellow Belt
Posts : 144 Join date : 2009-07-21
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 2:39 pm
I agree with Bigs on this one. this match would probably see GSP on anderson silva the entire night wearing him down on the ground, GSP would have no trouble whatsoever taking the spider down. GSP would neutralize spider's BJJ as he did with penn. Silva's striking wouldnt be as effective after getting worn down on the ground and the threat of GsP's takedown. I have no qualm with taking gsp on this one. horrible matchup for spider.
Wolfgangsta Platinum Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Conor McGregor, Machida, Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey Posts : 18955 Join date : 2009-07-15 Location : USA
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 3:24 pm
Anderson would be a decided favorite there, but GSP would have a great chance. The thing about GSP being bigger and stronger than Anderson is laughably fucking stupid though. Anderson would have already moved on to LHW had his team mate not been there. Anderson hasn't fought at WW in many years and has put on a lot of size since then. There is no way a logical person could think a guy still fighting at WW could be bigger than a guy who looks solid at LHW and wants to chase HW fights.
Bigs03 Black Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Fedor and GSP Posts : 3124 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 44 Location : Houston, TX
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 3:36 pm
Wolfgangsta wrote:
Anderson would be a decided favorite there, but GSP would have a great chance. The thing about GSP being bigger and stronger than Anderson is laughably fucking stupid though. Anderson would have already moved on to LHW had his team mate not been there. Anderson hasn't fought at WW in many years and has put on a lot of size since then. There is no way a logical person could think a guy still fighting at WW could be bigger than a guy who looks solid at LHW and wants to chase HW fights.
Of course he's not going to be taller but he already is much thicker and probably stronger than Anderson is now. Anderson doesn't win fights because he pushes people around with his incredible size or strength, he wins because he's got awesome boxing and clinch skills. Those skills won't matter as much against GSP.
acccardinal12 Gold Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Cung Le, BJ Penn, Mayhem, Chael Sonnen, Anthony Pettis Posts : 10925 Join date : 2009-12-04 Age : 48 Location : Kentuckiana
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 3:43 pm
Bigs is right. I can see GSP winning. Hope the fight happens
EliteAcidBurn Green Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : GSP Posts : 515 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 48 Location : Halifax,Nova Scotia
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 3:45 pm
I FEEL THE GSP LOVE, BRINGS A TEAR TO MY EYE
Wolfgangsta Platinum Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Conor McGregor, Machida, Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey Posts : 18955 Join date : 2009-07-15 Location : USA
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 4:00 pm
GSP almost always is the bigger man in the cage. He won't have those strength advantages against Anderson fucking Silva, who is huge for middle weight. Anderson is also a freak athlete. GSP isn't going to bully him ala BJ Penn pal. The best athlete at WW moving up and bullying the best athlete at MW/LHW? Ya I donno kid, that is a tough fucking sell there.
GSP may get a takedown or two, but don't be surprised if Anderson blocked one or two as well, all before he lands a knee as GSP shoots in and gets KO'd. Anderson finishes GSP in all likelyhood. Within three rounds.
Now, Jake Shields has been able to still work his version of unstoppabletakedowndeath at MW, but Jake Shields hasn't fought anyone close to an Anderson Silva. Still, that shows it is possible to work that gameplan against bigger opponents. But against Anderson Silva, the greatest UFC fighter ever, it just isn't very likely.
I do not believe GSP will have a strength advantage. What you also fail to grasp is a lot of his takedown/bullying ability actually comes from a speed/timing advantage where he is able to see opponents shoots, punches and kicks coming and time a strike or counter at just the right moment. He will absolutely not have any advantage there, in fact he will likely suffer a disadvantage there, with Anderson winning the timing battle.
Alves is a poor example of a game plan for GSP to follow because his straight up boxing skills aren't even in the same universe as Silva's. He doesn't need to kick like Alves did. Thus he could abandon them and still out strike GSP with speed and body movement, without crippling his ability to win like Alves did. GSP also never really fights anyone with reach similar to his 76 inch reach, Alves and Penn for instance were 70 inch, Anderson is close to 78.
It is ultimately foolish to look at other GSP fights with much smaller, half as talented guys and assume his wrestling will win the day against Silva. Like I said, GSP does have a shot, but it is a small one. Anderson via KTFO.
Bigs03 Black Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Fedor and GSP Posts : 3124 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 44 Location : Houston, TX
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 4:51 pm
Wolfgangsta wrote:
GSP almost always is the bigger man in the cage. He won't have those strength advantages against Anderson fucking Silva, who is huge for middle weight. Anderson is also a freak athlete. GSP isn't going to bully him ala BJ Penn pal. The best athlete at WW moving up and bullying the best athlete at MW/LHW? Ya I donno kid, that is a tough fucking sell there.
GSP may get a takedown or two, but don't be surprised if Anderson blocked one or two as well, all before he lands a knee as GSP shoots in and gets KO'd. Anderson finishes GSP in all likelyhood. Within three rounds.
Now, Jake Shields has been able to still work his version of unstoppabletakedowndeath at MW, but Jake Shields hasn't fought anyone close to an Anderson Silva. Still, that shows it is possible to work that gameplan against bigger opponents. But against Anderson Silva, the greatest UFC fighter ever, it just isn't very likely.
I do not believe GSP will have a strength advantage. What you also fail to grasp is a lot of his takedown/bullying ability actually comes from a speed/timing advantage where he is able to see opponents shoots, punches and kicks coming and time a strike or counter at just the right moment. He will absolutely not have any advantage there, in fact he will likely suffer a disadvantage there, with Anderson winning the timing battle.
Alves is a poor example of a game plan for GSP to follow because his straight up boxing skills aren't even in the same universe as Silva's. He doesn't need to kick like Alves did. Thus he could abandon them and still out strike GSP with speed and body movement, without crippling his ability to win like Alves did. GSP also never really fights anyone with reach similar to his 76 inch reach, Alves and Penn for instance were 70 inch, Anderson is close to 78.
It is ultimately foolish to look at other GSP fights with much smaller, half as talented guys and assume his wrestling will win the day against Silva. Like I said, GSP does have a shot, but it is a small one. Anderson via KTFO.
Your first post says GSP would have a great chance and now this one says he has a small chance...you don't make any sense. (as usual)
Fortunately, most people on this board know that your posts are mostly useful for comic relief and nothing more.
captain organic Bronze Belt
Posts : 7730 Join date : 2009-07-15 Location : NJ
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:01 pm
thedarkwingduck2k50 wrote:
I agree with Bigs on this one. this match would probably see GSP on anderson silva the entire night wearing him down on the ground, GSP would have no trouble whatsoever taking the spider down. GSP would neutralize spider's BJJ as he did with penn. Silva's striking wouldnt be as effective after getting worn down on the ground and the threat of GsP's takedown. I have no qualm with taking gsp on this one. horrible matchup for spider.
Anything that GSP did vs a natural 155er has no relevance vs a guy who fights successfully at 205.
captain organic Bronze Belt
Posts : 7730 Join date : 2009-07-15 Location : NJ
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:01 pm
EliteAcidBurn wrote:
well i guess we will see..
hopefully
Wolfgangsta Platinum Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Conor McGregor, Machida, Jon Jones, Ronda Rousey Posts : 18955 Join date : 2009-07-15 Location : USA
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:17 pm
Bigs03 wrote:
Your first post says GSP would have a great chance and now this one says he has a small chance...you don't make any sense. (as usual)
Fortunately, most people on this board know that your posts are mostly useful for comic relief and nothing more.
I also said Anderson would be the decided favorite. A small chance against Anderson is a great chance.
Learn to read you cockshitting bumblefuck. As usual, I destroy your stupid ass opinions and you sidestep to something else, a semantical issue. Maybe the choice of words, "great" and then "small" are somewhat confusing to a moron such as yourself, despite the over all context I used them in being clear, but I'd rather make a small wording error than post your ignorant fruitcake ramblings fueled 20 ounces of arbor mist and 10 ounces of another mans sperm.
Bigs03 Black Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Fedor and GSP Posts : 3124 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 44 Location : Houston, TX
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:23 pm
Wolfgangsta wrote:
Bigs03 wrote:
Your first post says GSP would have a great chance and now this one says he has a small chance...you don't make any sense. (as usual)
Fortunately, most people on this board know that your posts are mostly useful for comic relief and nothing more.
I also said Anderson would be the decided favorite. A small chance against Anderson is a great chance.
Learn to read you cockshitting bumblefuck. As usual, I destroy your stupid ass opinions and you sidestep to something else, a semantical issue. Maybe the choice of words, "great" and then "small" are somewhat confusing to a moron such as yourself, despite the over all context I used them in being clear, but I'd rather make a small wording error than post your ignorant fruitcake ramblings fueled 20 ounces of arbor mist and 10 ounces of another mans sperm.
Mmmmkay.
Bigs03 Black Belt
Favorite Fighter(s) : Fedor and GSP Posts : 3124 Join date : 2009-07-16 Age : 44 Location : Houston, TX
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:24 pm
ANYWAY,
I hope this fight happens in 2010, it would be awesome.
oggy420 Bronze Belt
Posts : 6483 Join date : 2009-07-15 Age : 36
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 7:49 pm
I'll take Anderson. All he needs is one clean strike and the fight can be over in a flash. In a 5 round found against a guy who is going to push forward and attack him which is exactly when he thrives i like his chances to land something. Remeber Anderson isn't a slouch on the ground either and he will be bigger and longer than GSP.
GolbeZ Administrator
Favorite Fighter(s) : Condit, Machida, Aldo, Bendo, KJ Noons, Dominick Cruz The Praying Mantis Posts : 3139 Join date : 2009-07-15 Age : 38 Location : Austin
Subject: Re: GSP getting too big for 170? Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:17 pm
Bigs03 wrote:
Saying GSP has no chance against Anderson is just stupid.