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Georges St-Pierre is one of the greatest mixed martial artists in the history of the sport. Some even argue that he is the best fighter MMA has ever seen. Given his accomplishments, it's easy to see why. He has no asterisks next to his record, and his title-winning performances are part of MMA folklore.
Unfortunately, 'GSP' is no longer an active fighter. He last stepped inside the octagon in 2017 when he dethroned Michael Bisping as the middleweight champion to become one of the few UFC fighters to capture titles in different divisions. As time moves forward, so does MMA.
On a recent episode of his ever-popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan claimed that 'GSP' would've struggled against current eleventh-ranked welterweight Jorge Masvidal due to the difference in the level of competition across generations. Rogan's assessment, however, falls short.
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#5. Georges St-Pierre and Jorge Masvidal are not from different generations
The foundation for Joe Rogan's claims is that Georges St-Pierre and Jorge Masvidal are fighters from different generations. Unfortunately, his reasoning falls flat when it becomes clear that 'GSP' and 'Gamebred' aren't separated by different generations of fighters. Their professional MMA debuts were only a year apart.
The 'BMF' champion's career as a mixed martial artist began in 2003. Meanwhile, the all-time welterweight great's start in MMA took place in 2002.
Upon closer inspection, this is evident when Masvidal's opponents are taken into account. He faced the likes of Benson Henderson, Al Iaquinta, and Yves Edwards. His other opponents include Demian Maia, Joe Lauzon, Paul Daley, K.J. Noons, and others. Additionally, 'GSP' faced several fighters who debuted years after Masvidal was well into his MMA career.
#4. Jorge Masvidal's wrestling defense wouldn't stand up against Georges St-Pierre
While Georges St-Pierre doesn't have a traditional wrestling background, he has developed one of the finest wrestling styles in MMA history. The multi-division UFC champion became such a strong wrestler that he was able to secure takedowns against NCAA Division I standouts like Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch.
He often changes levels every time he jabs. Over time, this forces his opponents to expect strikes every time he changes levels. Thus, his opponents often raise their guard to block his stinging jabs, exposing their hips to his takedowns. Due to his traditional karate stance, his linear movement is blindingly fast.
This enabled the Canadian great to have nearly perfect timing with his takedowns. Due to Jorge Masvidal's focus on defensive boxing and the attention he would give the former champion's strikes, he'd be ill-equipped to defend takedowns.
#3. Georges St-Pierre's cardio would make Jorge Masvidal struggle
While Jorge Masvidal doesn't have poor cardio, he isn't exactly a five-round fighter. He struggles against opponents who push for a relentless pace and incorporate wrestling to break his rhythm. This renders Georges St-Pierre an exceptionally difficult matchup for 'Gamebred'.
At UFC 272, the 'BMF' champion faced former friend Colby Covington in a grudge match and was left gasping for air in the third round. While 'GSP' is certainly not like 'Chaos' in terms of output and cardio, he is a five-round fighter who imposed a high-enough pace that allowed him to massively outstrike Nick Diaz.
Stockton's finest was once famous for his marathon-like cardio. Masvidal would struggle immensely against the output and endless takedowns that the Canadian great would subject him to. While 'Gamebred' retains enough muscular endurance to land powerful blows even toward the end of a bout, he'll struggle against 'GSP'.
#2. Georges St-Pierre's jab is too sharp
Fans often forget that Jorge Masvidal hasn't evolved as a fighter from a technical perspective. His past failures as a fighter were due to his tendency to hyperfocus on his defensive striking and not do enough from an offensive point to reliably steal rounds from his opponents. This led to numerous split-decision losses.
He simply wouldn't do enough to win. His recent successes were due to him raising his level of aggression and using shifting combinations, like the one that earned him a knockout win against former welterweight title challenger Darren Till. 'GSP' would make him pay for his reckless stance-switching during his shifts.
The former champion's jab was often used to counter over-aggressive opponents. Due to his karate stance, he would dart forward with tremendous momentum. Furthermore, he would extend his jab straight from his shoulder while committing all of his weight to his strikes, allowing him to intercept foes with power jabs.
#1. Georges St-Pierre would have been too big
While Jorge Masvidal's career resurgence took place in the welterweight division, he is also a former lightweight who would have been outsized by Georges St-Pierre if the pair had ever locked horns inside the octagon. Physicality counts for much, which is why former titleholder Kamaru Usman has been so successful.
Georges St-Pierre spent most of his career as a 170'er but his final MMA bout was a middleweight title fight against Michael Bisping. Furthermore, 'The Count' was no ordinary middleweight, as he is a former light heavyweight. Yet, 'GSP' never felt smaller than him when the pair fought.
The Canadian's physicality proved pronounced enough that it caused the former 205'er to cede space and afford him respect. The difference in size and strength between Masvidal and St-Pierre would have worked against the 'BMF' champion.
