Former UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre is less than two months away from his much anticipated return to the UFC, since his retirement from the sport in 2013. St. Pierre said he wanted to return for a big fight and he got what he was looking for, as he’s set to challenge UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping on Novemeber 4th at UFC 217.
GSP has told the media on several occasions that not only has he been training every day the entire time he’s been gone, but he’s also a much better fighter than he was when he stepped away a few years ago. His coaches all believe the same including famed boxing coach Freddie Roach.
Freddie Roach talked with Fight Hub about GSP’s upcoming fight with Michael Bisping and his transition up to 185lbs.
“He’s getting better and better. He’s a little bigger, a little stronger than he has been in the past because this fight is going to be in a higher weight class. He has a little more weight on him, and he punches with a lot more power,” Roach said when talking about GSP’s preparations as a middleweight.
“He did really really well. I’m going to be heading up to Montreal pretty soon. For six weeks, I’ll spend 3 days a week in Montreal, and 4 days here,” he said. “He wants me in the corner. He wants me in the ring, in between rounds, and I said no problem.”
“He’s in with a big tough guy, and it should be action packed. I’m excited with my first UFC fight.”
Roach knows that Bisping is a very tough fighter but believes that St. Pierre’s athleticism will be the big difference maker at UFC 217.
“(Bisping) is a tough guy. He comes to fight. I don’t think he’s the best athlete in the world. I think Georges is a much better athlete, and I think that will be the difference in the fight. His athleticism will take him through the fight. But it’s not going to be easy though, that’s for sure. The first round, I’m a little worried, because Georges is always a little bit stiff in the first round. Then he gets into the fight as the rounds go on. So early, I’m a little bit worried but I’ll warm him up really good in the dressing room.”
