Georges St-Pierre talks retirement, UFC legacy in exclusive interview with Ariel Helwani | ESPN MMA
UFC legend Georges St-Pierre sits down for an exclusive interview with Ariel Helwani after announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts. GSP goes in depth on why a potential fight vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov never happened (1:00), his decision to retire on top of the game (5:34), and his relationship with UFC president Dana White (8:39). St-Pierre also details his favorite moment in the UFC (14:25), how he wants his legacy to be remembered (19:32), why he always detested fight day (21:35), and if GSP would have believed his career’s storybook ending (24:48).
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Cant believe Ariel made it through without crying. Well Done Ariel!!
I didn’t make it through... 😏😢😫😭
He did cry! You can see it on GSPs face at the end
@@FinancialAlley i think youre right. Great observation.
Next weeks podcast you will hear him say he cried behind scenes 100%
Tell me about it. I teared up
Such a classy dude.. So humble and wise.. Greatest of all time
stfu white boi
@@yos5177 take it easy nigga
Nope that would be Jon Jones
@@JonYen69 probably in the cage.. But his antics outside the cage is not as good as his fighting record. Gsp is a true martial artist.. Well disciplined and humble.. He was never flagged for ped or any kind of drugs.. According to me he is the greatest of all time.
@@JonYen69 not a chance. being the greatest includes a lot more. jones is a DRUGS cheat. there is no way you can hold him in discussion for greatest of all time.
Can we get a documentary like "Notorious" but for Rush??
Already have.
Takedown: The DNA of GSP is a film/doc of the life and career of Rush.
CanadianJimmy Where can that be found? link
Imagine a movie of his career bullied,rises,meets the champ,losses,begs for another ,wins Fights a opponent who nobody thought would win,losses. Comes back wins, goes away,comes back and wins a belt at another weight!! RETIRES ,,,sounds like a Rocky movie but true!! wow LEGEND
Fight pass
Now he can party with Nick
Is this what you do during working hours? Im telling Conan.
or dc in a dew months and throw down some fried chicken.
Nicks on a 4 year bender, everyone's encouraging his alcoholism a bit too much
LOL
Shut the fuck you
A legend retires. 🥋🇨🇦 #GOAT #RememberTheName
What is the name I should remember
Not just an MMA legend. I'm so excited to see how GSP has improved not only in fighting his whole career, but in his intellect and understanding of philosophy. He has a true warrior's mind and embraced reality. This is obvious when you hear the way he speaks about impermanence, and also how he appreciates the small things in life like health, etc. which are always the most important. Fame, money, etc. is fine, but don't be attached to it, because it's actually not real. Your health is real, and that's what he's more focused on now, which is great. I will continue to follow GSP not just as a fighter, but as a human being. One of the most inspiring people I've known in my life. Hope to get to meet him one day.
JJ M0nster thanks man I will forever #RememberTheName Ariel Helwani as the #GOAT
Khabib is still active.....
DC should retire right fookin now... Khabib too in my opinion, mauling the notorious is a great end I think ! + the eagle jump at the end...
Khabib vs Gsp would have been greatness
GSP would get pounded like a veal chop
@@sychophantt idk man. I don't think so. It would be close. Gsp is elite regardless of age and Faras is a goddamned Mastermind. I don't think it would be a one sided fight.
@@sychophantt khabib is so one dimensional and GSP is probably one of top 5 wrestlers in the ufc,the dude outwrestled matt hughes.
People forget how damn dominant GSP is on the ground .. He was "Khabib" during his run.. I think you'd be surprised
Would rather see the greatest of all time vs the greatest of right now, gsp vs Woodley. I don't know why people don't want that fight.
The fact that he retired on top and his crazy work ethic it's pretty safe to say his ego never got the best of him. Bravo GSP you had a phenomenal career, all the best in your new chapter in life!
Smart man & Class act! Goat 🐐
one fight in 6 years the real Goat is still out there.
Thank you GSP for all the BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS.
You forgot to thank all the nice nap time every time he fought
and vaseline and loads of steroids
@@notafuckinpplperson8233 false and false. Why do you like to jump to a conclusion so quick without doing your research?? There’s no proof he did
GSP = GOAT with ease kids
Selfishly disappointed by the retirement. I hope Khabib will hold out for the fight against GSP. Good luck to the best ever, the GOAT, GSP!
Exactly
The issue is Khabib and his manager.. they only would take the fight for a 165 belts
Fuck that he's just going to vacate the belt if he wins. Khabib vs Tony is the way to go. Glad Dana didn't give GSP the title shot
brad scott Lmao best ever ? 😂😂😂😂
Royce Gracie is the GOAT😉
"We play football, we play hockey, we play golf. We don't play fighting". Great quote from one of the greatest! I bet we'll hear that quoted occasionally over the years.
Such a genuine and humble guy. I really appreciate you, George! See you in the coaching zone :)
GSP will turn into CSP (Coach St. Pierre)
very inspirational to the younger generation.A humble man, and a true legend. Thank you so much, GSP for all the things you have done for the sport and younger generation. Hope to see you in the future with bigger surprises.
GSP retiring while his stocks are still high 💰 💰 💰
agree look at lesnar.... he can just come back for money fights
@@Samuel-qe9lj Was expecting Lesnar to have more shame. He's definitely a different type of person than GSP.
.... also fire burn and water is wet. 😢 I'm going to miss gsp. Class act
UFC knows GSP will beat Khabib too and retire....not a good look for UFC. Cant cash on a guy that leaves and NOT a company man ala Chuck was.
he needs to invest some of it into dental products.. and brush his fucking teeth.
GSP would probably be an outstanding coach
@ hahahahhah
@ aaah dis fuckin guy...kick him kick him!!!!!! KICK HIM BEFORE ALIENS COME
one of the greatest -fighters- humans ever
Like you picture looks like your flying
George RUSH St Pierre , The greatest of all time PERIOD
💯
Woodly would beat gsp to a pulp
You know I'm a big fan of woodly but I don't know GSP is a true well rounded in all aspects.
Ashley Jason he’s not even top 5 just stop
@@anthonyantmanedwardsisbett8197 he is top if not who do u think is above him?
Shame on the UFC for not making the Khabib fight.
Flornmonk I can understand why (GSP wouldn’t have defended the belt if he won.) but it would have been awesome
It's risk fight for UFC
Props to the UFC. Khabib vs Ferguson is the only fight that should be talked about when discussing the 155 title
Hi T1000 I agree first fight Tony then fight whoever u want GSP even FLYOD but Tony first I respect GSP a lot but Tony first
@@stonecold316339 yeah but they want Lesnar to fight for the belt after testing positive and fighting once in the past 4 years but won't give the GOAT gsp a shot?
Class act until the end. The greatest of all time.
Such a shame the UFC didn't agree on making the KHABIB vs GSP fight, let's say Conor McGregor knocked out Khabib in the 4th round, and both McGregor and GSP wanted to fight eachother, you think the UFC would say no to that...I dont think so. I think they're underestimating how big Khabib vs GSP would be, I think it would easily be the second biggest UFC fight (number 1 KHABIB MCGREGOR) in history, in terms of popularity, and THE BIGGEST in terms of legacy and skill level. Shame on the UFC and Dana for not making this happen.
Thierry Henry The division needs to move forward. This would have put the lightweight division on hold again. GSP would’ve retired with the belt again and that’s not good to promote your company
The Home Dipo Khabib and GSP didn't wanna fight for the belt, they could've just done a catchweight bout at 160-165 lbs, let Ferguson fight for the interim belt against Poirier/Holloway, and then fight Khabib in early 2020 for the lightweight belt!
Tony is more deserving but you fanboys only wanna see the more popular fighters
At 155 Gsp would of lost! At 170 Gsp wins
Shame on you for wanting it lol. GSP is the past and unless he wants to beat Khabib and defend the belt later, he should be allowed to fight.
Every Canadian should be so Proud of this incredible human being. The Pinnacle of Sportsmanship.
RawLu Nothing about you but I don’t see how it makes sense to feel proud of what someone else has done. Sounds like taking credit from someone else’s achievement. Be proud of what you do, not of what you have no control over. Some guy who happens to be born in Vancouver is no more responsible of GSP’s success than any other random guy from Seattle.
As a Canadian MMA fan this is an incredibly sad day, Ive watched GSP since the Matt Serra era and to grow with him through his career was one hell of a ride, Greatest Welterweight of All Time
Leroy Gallagher ok leroy
True legend of the sport. Thank you for all the amazing fights George!
The technical tactician, the incredible innovator, a true gentleman of the sport. An inspiration across the world. The greatest. Georges “Rush” St-Pierre
What a graceful athlete he was! Congratulations on a great career GSP loved watching you practice your art form!!!
The people who disliked this video think Jon Jones doesnt cheat
stfu white boi
@@yos5177 ?
GSP is such a genuine guy. Fantastic fighter.
Got to give to Ariel this was a great interview , gsp will b missed À la prochaine
Congratualtions, Thankyou, and Farewell to the Greatest Martial Artist of all Time!
Georges is the epitome of a martial artist in the modern world. Thank you for everything you did for the sport, it will be remembered always. Living legend.
Classiest human being I’ve ever met. Happy that he went out on top.
Tony Ferguson is the type of guy to have a GSP accent after this retirement video.
I'm dead🤣
How unfunny
😂😂😂
🤣👌
oh my god ahahhahahahaha
A true man of class, honor and respect ✊🏽. Congrats on an incredible career! I look forward to seeing the goat in some movie roles. I hope he gets involved in the promotion side of the UFC as well!
It’s possible to be a business man and a good dude at the same time. Thanks GSP
Your words very inspirational for all Enjoy your retirement legend
What a Good great fighter. Glad to see him retire, without hurting himself. Go enjoy life bud.
Greatest ever, inside and outside of the octagon, all the best in retirement Georges
Congrats GSP on an amazing career. The GOAT
Gsp is a coward who is afraid to fight woodly
@@TexMex420 He has nothing to gain.
Zoe a coward that ran from real competition and just wants to fight smaller men where he can win; or bums with fake belt like Bisping. Beat and then just give up the belt without defending. Then comes back and wants to fight a 155 lb khabib where he can maul...lol, he was good only in the era when he was surrounded by bums....the game has changed and now he just wants easy fights....
@@leo100784 Khabib isn't a small guy. Bisping was the MW champ lol. Sorry, none of Georges challengers we're bums.
Zoe khabib is 155, natural fights at that weight class. Bisping is a bum never was champion and lucky punch got it. George was quick to dethrone him right after. Yes he was a bum.
This video will be played back when both GSP and Ariel are dead in 40 years similar to how we look back on Ali and Howard Cosell clips.
Pat L why is George gonna be dead in 40 years. He is only like 36
I agree totally! GSP had ALOT to do with helping mma be seen as a legit sport!
xwers1234 But took head trauma for at least 20 of them sadly
You must be Canadian. GSP is a great man and martial artist, but many of his fights were point-fighting and boring. He also was not anywhere near the public social demigod Ali was outside the ring. Think the Nation of Islam and Vietnam. Ali was larger than life and a master at word play. It's sometimes hard to understand GSP speak English. People watch Ali's razzle dazzle on youtube today. There is no such thing to watch concerning GSP. People will be watching clips of Anderson Silva instead.
40 years? Hopefully were still around by then
Thank you George, now can you be in the next John wick movie? Or even mission impossible?
GSP was in the opening scene of Captain America Winter Soldier.
@@N-e-o1 His acting is brutal.
adrianhe I’m about to go look for that
@@punishr36 lol wasn't saying if it's good or bad just letting the guy know in case he didn't.
Onix Junes Nah, John Wick whould be discalified in the fight by using a gun in the battle which its against the UFC rules. Just like Captin America who was got cheating in his fight with GSP because he was in the effect of super steroïdes in Winter Soldier and Georges really hates that when it happens.
Such an amazing interview by Ariel. I don't know why he always gets hate, he's truly the best gift we have from the MMA gods.
Farewell George, Thankyou for the memories in the octagon. True warrior
Dana is an absolute fool to not set up this fight! He is afraid GSP will extinguish Khabibs flame and then disappear. Bad trade. BECAUSE WHAT IF KHABIB WINS?? Khabib's fame would absolutely explode after beating the legend GOAT, and he will be without a doubt the new GOAT. Undefeated 28-0, champion, and only person to legitimately beat the legendary GOAT GSP. Khabib would be a far larger cash cow for Dana than if he didn't set up the fight.
Because he knew khabib would lose lmfao
you took the thoughts from my mind
Because Khabib is 155 and GSP 170. Remember what happened to the last smaller grappler that had a superfigjt with GSP. Why isnt Georges challenging TWood?
He knows Khabib will lose, makes no sense for him to destroy a cash cow for GSPs legacy
@@Airburn That's my point. If anyone can figure out Khabib it's GSP, but if anyone can out grapple and beat GSP it's Khabib. If I was Dana I would roll the dice.
Merci Goerge pour tout !!! Tu est un merveilleux exemple de vie pour tous.
Congrats to GSP on an incredible career. Ariel Helwani is truly the best in his field.
GOAT in every conceivable way! Thank you so much, Georges!
Nope not even top 5
@@anthonyantmanedwardsisbett8197 LOL - I think it would be entertaining for real fans to see your Top 5 then. I look forward to a good chuckle.
Alexander Best stop liking your own comment you pathetic piece of shit
Alexander Best It’s Tyron’s time. GSP is in rear view mirror, quit living in the past.
Thank you for all the great memories George!! You are appreciated friend!
Hard to say goodbye to one of the greatest, if not the greatest fighter, of all time. Thank you, George, for everything you’ve done for this sport, and best of luck in your upcoming ventures.
G.O.A.T. Thanks for all the years of entertainment and for being a great role model.
UFC has failed the fans in setting this up
sure did
I think I actually prefer Khabib Vs Ferguson than GSP out size Khabib. Id rather see GSP Vs Woodley... thats a competitive fight imo
They don't care unless its conor, unfortunately
Yep but I know they are knew gsp could win and then be done and then kahbibs stock would go down no longer undefeated anymore
@@dude-us9gy true, but Khabib still isn't a big star and even could retire soon, so I really don't understand UFC decision, I'm really dissapointed
Inspirational human being. Tough as they come. Much respect George, thankyou for the experience.
hats off to Ariel too for this one. excellent questions and gave Georges the proper send off he deserves. kudos to you
congratz champ! your the Best!
Thanks for the entertainment George. Backed you from the beginning, even after Hughes beat you I saw your potential and wasn't dissapointed. Best wishes on a healthy and happy life.
i love to listen to this King. Beautiful man inside and out. Thankyou GSP.
That was a very genuine interview! GSP is just a solid dude!
Good interview. You are who you hang out with I know St Pierre has great mates and coaches like Firas Zahabi, very humble people.
GSP... definitely the greatest....he beat 3 'generations' of WWs consistently. First the BJ Penn's, Mat Hughes, Sherk... then Fitch, Koscheck, Alves, lastly Hendricks, Carlos Diaz. no fighter has done that. Jon is on his way but not even close yet... he retired perfectly, I don't see him beating this generation of WWs...
jazzy enigma said it himself, todays fighters are better than yesterday’s. George is the man none the less
Ice Out it’s not that it’s just age. Prime gsp beats everyone at 170
You forgot Nick Diaz
jazzy enigma and ducked woodley, and was on steroids. He isn’t even top 5
Newcomers to MMA & some of the people who have been following the UFC for a while forget how fucking good Matt Hughes was.
Great humble human being. A kind man that’s his greatest legacy. What a fighter too! 💪😎👍🙏🏾
That was an excellent interview with great insight into a fighters mindset all the way through his career. Awesome. I am so glad to see a fighter go out the way he wants to, with his health, with his humor and with his legacy intact. Sadly, that's a rare thing. Much respect to Georges, it was a great career, thanks for the memories, enjoy the rest of your life. #GSPATG
What a LEGEND. For most, he is just a champion, but for me, this guy is undoubtedly the G.O.A.T. Why? Ariel put it best, he is a true champion inside and outside the ring. His record is untarnished, his two losses he avenged in brutal fashion. In addition, he took a real stance against P.E.Ds. He will truly be missed, but I'm happy he went out when he did. Congratulations GSP, you are a class act.
He lost that fight to Johnny hendricks tho
@@deljay1840 Can't argue with the judges. I agree it was very close, but he got the "W". Additionally, Hendricks was on the juice.
@@deljay1840 nah Georges won 3 rounds. Watch it again and each round put a check next to their name. Johnny bruised GSPs face more and won rounds 3 & 4 emphatically but if you go by the rules Georges won 3 rounds.
@@deljay1840 I was in the "Johnny won" camp too but just watch it again if you can
@@VeritasAtlatic agreed. GSP took damage, but he played the game and did what he needed to do to win that fight. And a strong 5th round helped even more
Legend
Genuinely humble and classy guy. We need more like you, good luck with the next part of your life Sir
Great fighter. Even greater human being. Georges is so humble, intelligent and erudite even in his second language. Loved watching him fight from him coming on the scene in 2002 to him beating Bisping and now love listening to what he has to say. Have a great retirement champ, you've earned it.
Legend.
Damn that under armour jacket looks dope where can I buy it o.O ?
Hahaha! That was one of my first thoughts as I watched this video. Great minds think alike.
@@bigdawg9283 Lol UnderArmour thanks GSP for this public advertisement.
@@c4pancake Facts! Hahaha
Still can't find it
GSP defined and showed us what the total package of a complete mixed martial artist was before any of us knew exactly what that was. His work ethic and skill set became the gold standard for the sport. If you were a fan you wanted to watch him. If you were a fighter you wanted to be him or face him to see where you stood. He displayed no holes in his sportsmanship or character in the cage or out. Hats off to a true legend.
The best ever. Hats off GSP. Thanks for the great fights.
Silva and gsp best fighters to do it
HATER how many test did GSP fail 0 dumb
No matter what silva and gsp best ufc fighters of all time no one can take that away
@HATER wrong
@Boo Hoo a guy who uses drugs doesn't fight with his company for more drug tests...
Horse meat Overeem ur a fucking idiot, why do u exist
I like that he always smile.. my favorite fighter of all time a.k.a the greatest: Cain Velasquez & GSP
The fact that he can still talk so well and honestly about his influence in the ufc.. legit gsp for goat
Incredible interview. Will go down in the history books and looked upon for years to come.
Je t’aime Georges ❤️👏🏻⚜️💪🏻
THE GOAT 👑 Georges "Rush" St. Pierre 👑
Thanks for not interrupting the guest's answers. Nice interview. Great Champion.
One of our greats retires and there will be this feeling of emptiness but even when the fighters of today rise to the occasion we will still have you and many of the other greats on our minds. Thank you so much for all you have done GSP. #GOAT
Amazing interview between 2 Canadians.
Both from Montreal too ...
More like Canadian and a weasel.
Ariel making the interview about him at the end.
I learned alot from this man.. He motivated me to push myself to the max.. He showed a new level of performance that the MMA world had never seen befor..!
Not only the best to step into the octagon but arguably the best ambassador for the sport I love so passionately, thank you for all the great moments in fight history enjoy retirement.
gsp doesnt need to fight khabib, he's retired at the right time more fighters should be smart like him
He doesn't need to, but fans should still wanna see whose better Khabib or GSP.
@@sainttrunks1982 we'll never know because gsp isnt in his prime anymore, that many years of competing and training wears on your body, even if you train smart and eat healthy
@@oluwoleowolabi2538That's the point of why they should fight so we can know who if non-prime Gsp can still beat Khabib
GSP wants to fight Khabib but UFC doesn't allow it because they have a huge dislike toward GSP. GSP is the cleanest guy in the sport period, unlike Jon Jones.
Let GSP and KHABIB fight in NOVEMBER at catchweight, FERGUSON vs POIRIER for the interim belt in the summer, let Holloway have one last fight at FW vs Zabit! 2020 we can finally see KHABIB vs TONY, meanwhile Conor will fight Cerrone in summer and Diaz 3 early 2020, winner of KHABIB vs TONY fights McGregor! BOOM! Take a back seat Dana, I just solved the LIGHTWEIGHT division!
Na max comes up and beats everyone
Zabit isnt ready for the title shot yet.
Why tf would Max fight a top 15 lol. Did you not see what happened to Ortega ? Exact same thing will happen but would not last 4 rounds. You need to sit back down
Dana won't do it... too busy trying to protect Conor, Khabib, & Bully Spite several others ugh
This is all assuming Conor beats both Nate and Cerrone. Yeah your plan is shit.
This man is a legend. In both fighting and in terms of moral aspects. Fact how he is so vulnerable and strong on the fact how he handled the ‘post fight’ process after Hendrixs shows all... impressive and inspiring!
The Golden standard for Fighting, hats off to a Legend.
Modern samurai
GSP the real Goat.
what a legend, thank you for everything George. We will miss you.
Thanks for everything, George. One of the best role models in the sports history. A true warrior and gentleman. Thank you.
Even though ufc should have given gsp the chance to fight at 155 one last time to perhaps become a 3 division champ, it's good that he retired at the top, good man.
So whats with keeping the sport fair? He should atleast fight a contenter
Rankings are bullshit these days, interim titles are a waste of time, ufc are making mega fights but still couldn't make gsp vs khabib, if conor still was the champ they would have allowed him to fight gsp or anderson.
@@alcottdevalte7440 Ima need you to go back to Dana's interview, specifically about this topic. He already said he'll want gsp to fight a contender before getting a title shot
M.U.B.U 4L, you just proved my point. Did conor fight a contender at 155 before he got a title shot? The same with amanda nunes, dc, tj...every double champ except for dc hasn't defended his belt, dc didn't fight at heavyweight in ufc before his title shot against stipe, it was in other organisations. Lesnar, couture, chael sonnen, bj penn... all these have gotten title shots in different weight classes, except for lesnar, without first a fight to climb up the rankings in that division, lesnar will get another one against dc if he wants to fight again. Dana only wants gsp to be active and sell ppv's. Gsp vs khabib would have been a great fight for the fans.
That weight cut would have recked his body he might have pulled out.
GSP is the Good Guy GOAT Jones is the Bad Boy GOAT Fedor is the Pride GOAT Anderson is the Matrix GOAT
♐BRILL 39327 BRILL39327 is the Cringe GOAT
@@Voo504Doo agree! Even my cringe cringed at his comment
never seen a more honest self evaluation
huge thumbs up for this interview
Hopefully i run into him in Montreal
It takes 3 entities to make a fight.
Okay 🗿
Who's the 3rd Dana?
proud that you can repeat what GSP said
well, the UFC yeah.... IF Khabib didn't have a belt, he would have fought him. for sure. Imagine, George fights him and actually wins... Khabib looses his belt, he looses his 'draw' factor and the ufc can't make as much money off of him. Its a huge risk for the UFC. Plus, George would most likely retire after, therefore the belt drops and an interim fight is needed, Ferguson vs Poirier? Huge mess, as much as it saddens me. Being Canadian... I paid $1600 for two tickets to see the UFC in Montreal for the first time EVER in Canada, where GSP got his belt back from MAtt Serra, I have chills as I typed that. Never have I ever been in a stadium with such incredible energy! Best of luck GSP!
UFC knows GSP will beat Khabib too and retire....not a good look for UFC. Cant cash on a guy that leaves and NOT a company man ala Chuck was.
Ariel Helwani Great interview, this is why I watch you for the times you interview people taking the time to ask really good questions. Good luck GSP great history ending.
I think hell be back one more time, if not thanks George for everything all the best legend.
Ariel kills me with his 60 minutes bit! lol
it was fitting for the situation, Ariel has come a long way, he does a good job.
I agree.
True class act, and top 3 best of all time!! Thanks GSP, you will be missed, but not forgotten!
A legend retires, the greatest of all time, GSP brought respect, class and pure savagery into the UFC. I would have loved to see him fight khabib but as GSP would say “it is what it is”. And I hope he continues on to have the best life ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 !! Mad respect ✊
that under armor jacket is sick
hahaha I was thinking the same thing