Coach says Dana White recognized GSP's victory against Hendricks

Kristof Midoux (in the background) accompanies GSP after the victory over Hendricks. Photo: Donald Miralle/UFC

UFC president Dana White was one of the biggest critics of the result of the UFC 167 main fight, won by a split decision by the welterweight champion Georges St Pierre. After the fight, White stated that he saw a clear victory for the challenger John hendricks in the fight and fired shots at the Nevada Athletic Commission, responsible for regulating the event, and even GSP himself. However, according to St. Pierre coach Kristof Midoux, the manager regretted it and apologized to the Canadian the following day, recognizing his victory in the title fight.

“Georges was very distraught after the fight, but the difference between the two of us is that he's a really nice guy, even when he needs to be tough. What was said and done by Dana White was not right. He mixes up some roles. Dana White enters the octagon to give the belt to the champion. Georges goes in there to fight, and his life depends on it. Georges is a lion, but he is respectful. Dana White is a loudmouth who doesn't respect anyone. Few people know, but the morning after the fight Dana White called Georges and said the following: 'I'm sorry. I watched the fight again and you won. Everything I said was under emotion.' Georges told him not to worry, and that he understood. Georges owes nothing to anyone, he fought his whole life. If I were him, I would demand a public apology, and a statement to the media that he had really won the fight”, said Midoux, in an interview with the Canadian newspaper “Journal de Quebec”.

A friend and coach of St. Pierre since the champion was 16 years old, Midoux also revealed that he did not agree with GSP's hypothetical premature return to the octagon. “He tried too hard during the fight against John hendricks, I was a little confused, and I didn't know what I was saying. That's what people don't understand. He hoped he could stay away for a while, but at the same time he wanted to fight. He is the one who decides what he will do with his own life. I think he will give up the belt and they will fight without him. But, like I said, it's his decision. I'll wait for him to come back from vacation so we can sit down and talk. He knows he needs to rest, and he must make room for things other than the fight in his heart. If he decides to fight again, for whatever reason, I will no longer be in his corner. I don't want to see him suffer anymore after achieving more than he ever dreamed of. A life awaits you outside. I think he has a lot of other things to do instead of trying to find out who the strongest man in the world is, something he has already proven himself to be”, he concluded.

On November 16th, in Las Vegas (USA), the Canadian Georges St Pierre beat the North American John hendricks by a split decision from the judges and retained the welterweight belt in the main fight of UFC 167. After the result – heavily questioned by the press, fans and even UFC managers – the champion said he would like to step away from fighting, but he didn't. made it clear whether he would return to acting or end his career. At the time, St. Pierre's words displeased president Dana White, who made an immediate rematch between GSP and Hendricks a priority.