“Gleason took him down 3-4 times” – Ex-UFC champion sides with Georges St-Pierre to have beaten undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov
Eddie Alvarez believes that Georges St-Pierre would have won against the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov in his prime.
Follow Us
Eddie Alvarez reckons Georges St-Pierre would have defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Imago/ONE Championship)
The notion of super fights is fun to speculate. Debating how two great fighters in their prime would fare against each other is the subject of intense discussion. Eddie Alvarez has weighed in firmly on Georges St-Pierre’s side in the ongoing debate surrounding a hypothetical super fight. The former UFC lightweight champion believed GSP could have solved the Khabib Nurmagomedov puzzle.
Alvarez cited examples of Khabib Nurmagomedov being taken down multiple times earlier in his career. He cited the Gleison Tibau fight, where Nurmagomedov was taken down multiple times. This was enough for Alvarez to give the W to Georges St-Pierre.
Gleason [Tibau] took him down 3-4 times and actually won the fight. So Georges wouldn't have been the first [to take Khabib down]. In their prime, Georges wins... GSP fan for life.Eddie Alvarez via Instagram
Eddie Alvarez felt St-Pierre’s well-rounded skillset gave him a decisive advantage against Nurmagomedov’s smothering grappling. His assessment aligns with St-Pierre’s recent assertion that he would have prevailed. GSP cited his precise game planning and execution to neutralize Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov himself respectfully praised St-Pierre’s hypothetical analysis. He had immense respect for GSP. Furthermore, Nurmagomedov stated that he had learned a lot from GSP and would do nothing that would even slightly disrespect him. Still, the differing perspectives showcase the lasting aura surrounding Nurmagomedov’s and GSP’s dominance.
Georges St-Pierre received insider information about Khabib Nurmagomedov issuing a callout in 2020
The hypothetical matchup between Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov has long tantalized MMA fans. Now, years after both fighters’ retirements, St-Pierre provided insights into why the dream clash never materialized.
In a recent podcast appearance, Georges St-Pierre admitted he anticipated a callout from Nurmagomedov after the Justin Gaethje fight. The Canadian legend received information from people in Khabib’s camp about a future fight.
When [Nurmagomedov] fought Justin Gaethje, everybody told me - even in his entourage - they [said] 'Be ready because he's going to call you out.'Georges St-Pierre via The Full Send Podcast
However, Nurmagomedov opted to retire instead of challenging the Georges St-Pierre. St-Pierre clarified previous attempts had been made to book the mega-fight. GSP said his team approached the UFC with that idea the year after he retired.
St-Pierre said Khabib was onboard as well, but the UFC had other plans. He believed the promotion’s preference for keeping Nurmagomedov active hampered negotiations. The UFC eventually broached reviving St-Pierre vs Nurmagomedov after both retired. However, Nurmagomedov adhered to his retirement and the fantasy matchup never came to fruition.
In case you missed it:
- “Three times he stuck finger in my eye” – Bruno Silva breaks silence after controversial loss against Chris Weidman at UFC Atlantic City
- Colby Covington is ‘scared’ of Shavkat Rakhmonov, says Renato Moicano reacting to Ian Garry call out
Stay Updated!
Zaid Quraishi
(718 Articles Published)