When a former UFC middleweight blamed Firas Zahabi for turning Rory MacDonald and Georges St-Pierre into boring fighters
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Rory MacDonald (Left), Firas Zahabi (Middle), Georges St-Pierre (Right)
In mixed martial arts, fans often appreciate a finish, and a fighter who is successful in winning via KO or submission is often rated highly. However, the ones who win decisions are heavily scrutinized. Such was the case with Greg Jackson’s camp, Jackson’s MMA. Despite playing host to some of the best fighters on the planet, the students from the gym received criticism for playing it safe.
However, former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy did not appreciate the scrutiny Jackson’s MMA received. Kennedy, previously a member of Greg Jackson’s stable immediately came out to his camp’s defense. Back then, the American fighter mentioned that Jackson’s MMA fighters were responsible for some of the best finishes the sport had seen, which also resulted in them winning bonuses. He also blasted Tristar MMA coach Firas Zahabi for turning his best fighters into ‘boring ones.’
“You look at Firas (Zahabi) and you look at Rory MacDonald … I remember when he fought Nate Diaz and it was extreme grappling, vicious strikes. That guy was scary. Now we’re two years removed from that fight and the transition is now a guy jabbing from the outside. Not even in volume. It’s just horrible. It’s so boring,” said Kennedy. [H/T Bleacher Report]
Further clarifying his statements, the then middleweight fighter mentioned he was referring to Rory MacDonald and GSP in comparison with fighters from Jackson’s MMA. While many fans might disagree with Kennedy’s assessment, the former middleweight is not the only one who has criticized GSP for being boring. Even before Kennedy criticized GSP, the Canadian received scrutiny from an iconic female fighter.
An iconic female fighter labeled Georges St-Pierre to be boring
Throughout his career, former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre has done what it takes to win his fights. Equally good in striking and grappling, St-Pierre used a mix of both to win his fights. Despite being very successful in his MMA career, fans scrutinized ‘Rush’ for playing it safe. Winning the majority of his fights by decision, many believed GSP wasn’t exciting since he couldn’t finish his opponents.
The Canadian carried this criticism with him for a significant part of his career. While fans gave him a hard time due to it, former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey too voiced her opinion. Making waves in the sport of MMA at the time, Rousey had made it clear that she wasn’t afraid of voicing her opinions.
Commenting on GSP’s fighting style, Rousey said, “I think that fighters that just try to win by points and come away with a win are actually bad for the sport. If you never saw MMA before, and you walked in and you saw GSP and Koscheck, and all this jabbing out the whole time, it looks like a boring boxing match. And I don’t think you gain any fans with a fight like that.” [H/T Bloody Elbow]
Further in the interview, Rousey also praised Nick Diaz. The Olympic medal winner mentioned that she hoped Diaz would get a win over GSP. Concluding on her assessment of the Canadian, Rousey back then said that she felt GSP had done everything positive for the sport, and it was only right for him to step aside.
Despite facing these repeated criticisms from MMA fighters and fans, GSP went on to establish himself as one of the GOATS in MMA. A two-division champion in the UFC, the 41-year-old is also an inductee into the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame. While the Canadian retired from the sport, his love for MMA has not faded since he still trains every day.
Also Read: “I didn’t like myself,” how Georges St-Pierre overcame his inferiority complex during childhood
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