Georges St-Pierre Names His UFC Mount Rushmore
Considered by many as the greatest of all time himself, former two division UFC champion Georges St-Pierre has named five fighters who he thinks deserve to be immortalised in the UFC history books.
The UFC GOAT debate has become heated in the past few years, although it’s obviously highly subjective. Many old school MMA fans consider Royce Gracie to be the greatest ever for winning three of the first four UFC tournament events, and being a true pioneer of the sport.
On the contrary, many fans believe that the GOAT status belongs to a modern-day fighter, such as St-Pierre, Jon Jones, or Khabib Nurmagomedov, because the sport is now more competitive than it ever has been.
Speaking to Complex (as transcribed by The Mac Life), St-Pierre named the five fighters he would have carved into his UFC Mount Rushmore, and gave a specific reason for each.
Most Dominant
UFC lightweight champion Khabib has never lost in his professional MMA career, and retired last year with a perfect 29-0 record. As far as pure dominance is concerned, St-Pierre believes ‘The Eagle’ has earned his spot on the list.
“I am gonna choose five guys. This is a very subjective question,” St-Pierre said. “If you ask me who was the most dominating champion ever? Khabib Nurmagomedov. Because he was undefeated, he probably never almost lost a round.”
Faced Most Adversity
From failed drug tests to legal issues, Jones’ life outside the Octagon has been eventful to say the least. However, the former light heavyweight champion hasn’t let his personal troubles get in the way of his professional career. And for that reason, ‘Bones’ earned his spot on St-Pierre’s GOAT list.
“Faced the most adversity? I gotta say Jon Jones,” St-Pierre said. “Jon Jones is there too.”
Most Flamboyant
Anderson Silva dominated the UFC middleweight division for years, beating one legend after another. His resume is filled with big names and highlight-reel knockouts. And it’s those dazzling performances that sees ‘The Spider’ get the nod from St-Pierre.
“Who was the most flamboyant? I think Anderson Silva, because he had some crazy highlight reels,” St-Pierre stated.
The Showman
Regardless of what many people say about him, Conor McGregor has truly changed the sport of MMA. His charismatic personality and trash talking, backed by his stellar performances inside the Octagon have elevated the sport to the next level. The Irishman has headlined each of the top five highest grossing pay-per-view events in the promotion’s history. In terms of raising the bar, ‘The Notorious’ is the best in St-Pierre’s opinion.
“Who was the biggest draw? In terms of who raised the bar in terms of pay-per-views, awareness for the sport? Conor McGregor,” St Pierrie proclaimed.
Game Changer
Gracie single-handedly revolutionised the sport in its infancy, and he makes it on St-Pierre’s list because he did what nobody else had done before.
“Now, for the fifth one, I am gonna go with my personal one,” St-Pierre revealed. “Who changed the game? Who did something that had never been done before? I think it’s Royce Gracie.”
Do you agree with Georges St-Pierre’s UFC Mount Rushmore picks?
See also: