G. St-Pierre was UFC welterweight and middleweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufccanada
Georges St-Pierre has sparked debate by questioning traditional UFC physical conditioning methods. In an interview with 'Home of Fight', the Canadian, former UFC welterweight champion (up to 77kg), argued that technical efficiency trumps conventional cardiovascular preparation and cited a controversial example: his former Muay Thai instructor, a smoker and out of 'fitness', who dominated sparring sessions through the precision of his movements.
At 43, GSP downplayed the relevance of exercises like treadmill running to fighting performance.
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“I don’t believe that running on a treadmill or working out helps you get better cardio during a fight. Everything in combat is about efficiency,” said the former fighter.
To illustrate the point, the Canadian recalled his former coach Jean-Charles Skarbowsky. According to him, the coach, who had a background in Muay Thai, would get out of shape and yet still excel technically. St-Pierre argued that in the UFC, all fighters are 'in shape', but the difference lies in the ability to impose techniques without wasting energy.
“He smoked cigarettes all day, drank alcohol and was totally out of shape. But when he sparred with us, he crushed everyone. Because he was more efficient. One gets tired and the other doesn’t because one is more efficient. One fights where he is strong; the other leaves his comfort zone,” he explained.
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