Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre are some of the biggest names to step inside the UFC octagon. Both fighters have decorated fighting careers and frequently make their way to fight fans’ GOAT list. However, according to Nurmagomedov, GSP being a fan of him was his greatest achievement.
Not unexpectedly, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre have a very respectful friendship. Many fight fans wanted GSP and Nurmagomedov to face off in a dream battle. Nurmagomedov discussed how he worked hard to make his favorite fighter, GSP, a fan of his.
Me vs. Georges St-Pierre is like dream fight. It’s crazy, you know. When your favorite fighter of all time become your fan, this is something special.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via Inspire Me Podcast
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was one of the major reasons for the Dagestani’s success. He was also a fan of GSP and used to give examples of him to the ‘Eagle’. Nurmagomedov also mentioned how he used to watch all of St-Pierre’s fights as a teenager.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s prime came after the retirement of GSP. However, the Canadian was ready to come out of it in order to fight the Dagestani. The UFC and Dana White tried a lot to make the fight happen, however, it never took place. Regardless of that, both fighters managed to inspire millions by their character both inside and outside the octagon.
How Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre changed the dynamics of trash-talking in MMA
By putting an emphasis on professionalism and respect, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre reinvented trash-talking in mixed martial arts. Frequently choosing to let his actions speak louder than words in the cage, Khabib denounced trash-talking as being beneath him. Generally seen as humble, GSP avoided teasing others and instead emphasized physical prowess and good sportsmanship.
Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov (via X)Their methods demonstrated that fighters could become well-known and successful without turning into violent trash talkers. This had a positive impact on the MMA community’s transition to professionalism and respect. This was highlighted by Belal Muhammad who mentioned that GSP and Nurmagomedov never talked ill about their opponents to see their fights.
GSP never had to do that, he never had to do the trash-talking. Khabib never had to do the crazy trash-talking. They did it in the cage with dominant performances. That’s what I’m doing with dominant performances.
Belal Muhammad via UFC Unfiltered
Following the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Belal Muhammad has now become the new UFC welterweight champion. The fighter trained with the ‘Eagle’ and utilized it effectively to dismantle Leon Edwards at UFC 304. While many used to see Muhammad as a boring fighter, now are somewhat excited to watch him fight again.
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