Gold Rush

Georges “Rush” St. Pierre is a happy French Canadian. Starting with his bout against Matt Hughes on December 29 in Vegas, the Montreal native gets a chance to kick, punch and choke his two biggest rivals into oblivion over the span of the next few months-something most fighters wait years for. If you’re not up on UFC lore, here’s a little history. St. Pierre took the UFC welterweight belt from Hughes a little over a year ago only to lose the title in his first defense, an upset loss against Matt Serra. Hughes, a legend in the sport, was set to fight Serra for the belt this December until Serra blew out a disc in his back during training camp. Now St. Pierre has stepped up for a chance to notch a second victory over Hughes (their personal record is 1-1) in a match for the interim welterweight title and the first shot at Matt Serra when he gets healthy. Starting to sound like a soap opera love triangle? It kind of is, only no shirts and there’s a hell of a lot more blood. We caught up with GSP during one of his last tune-up visits to train at Wat, New York City’s premiere Muay Thai gym. Check out what he had to say about his upcoming fight, avenging his losses and the best strip clubs in Montreal. Hey, there are always things to talk about other than fighting.

By Seth Kelly
Photography by Jared Ryder

Complex: What went through your mind when you heard about Matt Serra’s injury?
Georges St. Pierre: Even before I learned the news my manager knew that if one of these guys got hurt I was ready to jump in. It was not something special. My manager called the UFC and told them I was ready to step up. The UFC called us back and said the fight was on. They were surprised a little bit [that I wanted the fight] because of the championship and fighting Matt Hughes on short notice. But I was ready, you know?

C: A victory over Matt Hughes guarantees your rematch against Matt Serra. Does that provide more motivation or is it just another day at the office?
Georges St. Pierre: Absolutely. It gives me more motivation. Now Serra will not eliminate Hughes and Hughes will not eliminate Serra. Now I get to fight both. It is perfect. I got the best scenario. I cannot be more happy than I am right now.

C: It will be a little more than a year since you faced Matt Hughes. How have you changed as a fighter?
Georges St. Pierre: We’re both different fighters so it’s going to be a different fight, defense and strategy… I changed a lot of my training when I found out I would not be fighting Serra so I am ready for war.

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