Greatest MMA fighter of all time, ‘The GOAT’ GSP, visits Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA
In a first-of-its-kind event at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, two-division UFC champion Georges St-Pierre captivated an audience of approximately 203 attendees with his insights and expertise. The Q&A session, held on January 19, 2024, delved into overcoming fear and building confidence through martial arts as a way to deter bullying, how to use the Conor McGregor effect to bring Muay Thai into the international spotlight, and advice for up-and-coming MMA fighters. He also addressed rumours about a potential return at UFC 300.
“I remember I wanted to change as a kid,” said the former undisputed welterweight champion and middleweight champion of the UFC. St-Pierre emphasized training in martial arts as a way to become the person that he wanted to be. “I was looking at myself in the mirror and I did not like what I was seeing but I could see how I could change my environment. I had a dream of being someone different. The way to get out for me was through martial arts and karate, it helped me gain the confidence to carry myself differently.”
When asked about the future of Muay Thai internationally and what promotions can do more of to bring Muay Thai into the spotlight, St-Pierre encouraged adding an emotional component to match-ups to add interest in a fight for the mainstream audience.
“I think what makes a fight more attractive, is not only a question of skills,” St-Pierre said. Whether it’s in Muay Thai, judo, or jiu-jitsu it’s a question of emotion, and fights are promoted on emotion. A lot of people will disagree with me because they are purists. The reason they watch a fight is to find out who is the best fighter. But most people don’t watch a fight for the same reason as us. They watch a fight because this guy said this to him and they want to see what happens.”
In terms of adding emotional excitement for the fans, St-Pierre praised Conor McGregor’s abilities in promoting his own fights.
“I think it’s the Conor McGregor effect. Conor did a lot of great things for the sport. He brought the attention to a level that was never done before. However, I believe if you want to be attractive to an audience you need to stay authentic to who you are, because if you are not it shows. Conor was great at what he did because he was authentic, but there are a lot of people who are not authentic, and it doesn’t look good.”
“For me, I love to watch Muay Thai, but for a big audience, maybe it misses a bit of charisma in terms of emotional context,” St-Pierre said of Muay Thai promotions. “That’s one of the things I think they should focus on. More on the relation between the two opponents and why they are going to fight and who said what. I know it sounds crazy but that’s how I think you promote a fight.”
St-Pierre also imparted some wisdom for up-and-coming fighters in MMA. His thoughtful response covered ensuring certainty, putting yourself in an environment where you can thrive, never avoiding the hard work, continuing to invest in yourself (even after finding success), and giving back as a way to motivate yourself to do even more.
“I would say, first, close your eyes and ask yourself, really, if it’s what you want to do. Not if it’s what your parent, your coach, or your friend wants you to do,” emphasized St-Pierre. “If it’s truly what you want to do…because it’s not an easy path. This is the first step- to figure out if it’s really what you want to do with your life.”
“When you give back to people you care about, it gives you a certain motivation beyond what you can even imagine and it helps you to motivate you to do even more,” St-Pierre elaborated in his fifth piece of advice for people looking to find success in the sport. “First step, figure out if it’s truly what you want to do. Second step, eliminate the negative. Third, work hard. Fourth, invest in yourself, and fifth, give back. That’s my advice for a young, up-and-coming fighter.
St-Pierre’s last fight was in 2017 where he headlined UFC 217 in Madison Square Garden, where he earned a submission win over fellow Hall of Fame inductee Michael Bisping to become a two-division champion. Prior to this fight, he took a four-year hiatus from MMA.
The fact that he had previously made a return to MMA after a long layoff gave fans hope that he would one day return to the octagon despite not having fought in years.
Addressing the speculation about his return to MMA, St-Pierre stated, “It’s a rumour. I’ve never been offered a fight and have no desire to come back to mixed martial arts. I was supposed to compete in a grappling competition, but a recent injury has put a hold on that. At 42, I’m focusing on different aspects of my life, though I’m still passionate about martial arts and its positive impact.”
Following the Q&A session, a notable moment occurred during the open workout when St- Pierre accidentally landed a head kick on Head Muay Thai Trainer Ajarn Wat. St-Pierre’s immediate apology highlighted the respect and camaraderie within the martial arts community.
The presence of esteemed trainers Lerdsila Chumpairtour, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, and Ajarn Wat enriched the event. Lerdsila, a multiple-time Muay Thai world champion, is known for his evasive style. Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, a former ONE Flyweight and Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion, is celebrated for his strong defense and counter-offense. Ajarn Wat, the head Muay Thai trainer at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, has trained numerous champions in his decades of coaching.
The following day, St-Pierre led a technique seminar, sharing strategies that have been pivotal in his illustrious career. This included his leanback jab and double leg takedown, along with some of his techniques to keep his opponent on the ground after taking them down. Long-time fans were also delighted to see St-Pierre show his famous Superman punch.
This was GSP’s first-ever seminar in Thailand, and numerous fans jumped at the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest MMA fighters in the history of the sport. Being generous with his time, St-Pierre stayed for much longer than was scheduled in the seminar. His passion for sharing the benefits of martial arts was clear.
“Confidence is the key in deterring bullies, and martial arts is the best way to build it,” said Georges St-Pierre during his visit. “My journey in martial arts helped me transform from a victim to a champion, both inside and outside the ring.”
While it’s exciting to entertain the idea of GSP returning to competition, he suggested to the fans not to get their hopes up too high.
“I’m not fully recovered yet,” Georges St-Pierre explained. “For me, the grappling was a fun thing, and the thrill of competition again, and for the fans. For now, there’s nothing on the radar and a shoulder injury takes an incredibly long time to recover. If something comes up for charity then maybe, but it’s not what I’m focusing on. I am 42 years old now, I’m not the same person I used to be when I was competing.”
You can watch the full Q&A session HERE!
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