GSP's coach believes the judges' decision against Hendricks was fair

Firas Zahabi carries GSP after fighting Hendricks. Photo: Donald Miralle/Zuffa LLC

Firas Zahabi, head coach of Georges St Pierre, believes that his athlete did enough to be declared the winner of the fight against John hendricks, at UFC 167, valid for the welterweight belt.

After five rounds of competition, the Canadian was named the winner in a decision by the judges that generated controversy. UFC president Dana White himself saw Hendricks' victory, stating that even the St. Pierre team was already resigned to the defeat before the official announcement.

However, in an interview with the MMA Fighting website, Zahabi insisted that the champion was more efficient in the fight. “[Before the official announcement] I thought they would give Georges the victory. I thought the judges would give him rounds 1, 3 and 5”, said the coach.

Zahabi stated that the performance presented by the fighters in the fifth round (which all referees scored for St. Pierre) showed the trend of the fight. “I think Georges did more in the last round, and that is very important. Even though scoring is done round by round, the last one is what shows which fighter still had something to show,” he commented.

The coach confirmed that GSP is going through difficult times outside the Octagon, although without detailing the nature of the problems. “I think he needs this time away to sort things out, and then we'll see what happens,” he said, adding that the decision on retirement will be up to the fighter alone. “Only Georges can say that. I have no idea. But I will support him regardless of what decision he makes.”