Numerous possible matchups might occur between fighters in combat sports, especially in MMA. Fans of the UFC were always anticipating a major clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre, but sadly, the fight never happened.
There was a possibility for GSP to square off against the Dagestani fighter. Although it never happened, it is simple to picture that the fight between two of the greatest UFC fighters would have been an all-time classic.
Dana White persuaded Georges St-Pierre to fight vs Khabib Nurmagomedov
GSP rejoined the UFC in 2017 after a four-year absence. For what he had already accomplished, the Canadian fighter would have gone down in MMA history as one of its all-time greats. But in his return bout, GSP faced Michael Bisping in an attempt to wrest the middleweight championship away from the “Count.”
Georges St-Pierre chokes Michael Bisping unconscious to become a UFC champion in another weight class
(New York, 2017) pic.twitter.com/NYYkgLi95D
— Fight Pics That Go Hard (@fightpicsgohard) March 1, 2022
George had success in his middleweight quest and left the UFC as a double champ. The former middleweight and welterweight champion explained in full how Dana contacted him to fight Khabib years after his retirement in an interview with Patrick Bet-David.
“Khabib is retired and I’m retired. So now, the UFC, Dana called me and he’s like, ‘Oh, now would you be interested to fight Khabib?’ He asked me.” said George.
When St-Pierre reiterated in 2017, Khabib was still yet to reach his peak. A year later, The Eagle won the lightweight title for the very first time, which he went on to defend three more times before finally retiring in 2020. Hence, the bout offer from Dana came as a big shock for GSP.
“I thought it was strange. I never wanted to do it. And now, because he called me for that reason I told Dana, just to see what happens. I was curious. You know it’s always a chess game when the promoter calls you.” George added.
Georges St-Pierre doesn’t rule out a return under the right circumstances. 🐐
Full interview: https://t.co/fbMTLPVN3t pic.twitter.com/E9T62AgZxP
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 13, 2023
Why Dana White persuaded GSP to fight vs Khabib?
The bout between ‘Rush’ and The Eagle could’ve been a possibility if they were both still active in MMA. The 42-year-old fighter also explained what could possibly be the reason for the UFC president to make such an offer when they are both retired from the game.
According to GSP, it was nothing but Dana’s mind game to lure them into a bout to make some money. Even though George didn’t instantly say no to White but he figured out what needed to be realized.
“I didn’t say no. I said, ‘OK. Let me think about it.’ The way Dana talked to me, it was like Khabib already accepted. But it wasn’t true. It was just fishing to make the fight happen” GSP further added.
Who do you think would’ve emerged victorious if Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre ever fought? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
