GSP's nearly-decisive kimura hold. Photo: Josh Hedges
Widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of present day, Georges St.-Pierre seems unbeatable in the UFC welterweight category. Against England’s Dan Hardy, at UFC 111, it was another walk in the park for the Canadian.
Nevertheless, if for most an undisputable win would be grounds for celebration, that is not the case with GSP. Even after such triumph, the fighter spotted flaws in his game. More than once, most notably with a tight kimura lock, he got close to finishing off Hardy. He just wasn’t able to coax the three taps out of his opponent, though.
Technical evolution, the pursuit of perfection – or something of the sort –, is a champion’s fuel. In the dressing room, right after his win, St.-Pierre discussed where he had failed with coaches Renzo Gracie and John Danaher, who had helped him train for the bout.
“The first thing he did after the fight was ask to be shown where he went wrong. The reason for his not getting the submission,” said Renzo.
The Gracie corrected some issues regarding positioning, angle and weight distribution. Tiny details that can make the difference at the crucial moment. But he had no lack of praise for GSP, and claimed GSP lived up to his rank of Jiu-Jitsu black belt with his performance.
“I know that next time he won’t make the mistake. It was an incredible fight; he didn’t stop for a second,” said Renzo in finishing.