In the aftermath of UFC 322, former lightweight and welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre has come to the defense of Islam Makhachev, dismissing the mounting criticism aimed at the Russian fighter. Labeling Makhachev as “brilliant,” St-Pierre challenged detractors by asserting that they simply “don’t know the art of fighting.” The praise from one of MMA’s all-time greats highlights Makhachev’s rise and cements his reputation following a dominant performance inside the Octagon.
Georges St-Pierre Defends Islam Makhachev’s Fighting Style Amidst Criticism
Following Islam Makhachev’s impressive performance at UFC 322, Georges St-Pierre stepped up to defend the Russian fighter’s unique style, which has faced its share of skepticism from certain corners of the MMA community. GSP emphatically rejected the notion that Makhachev lacks “the art of fighting,” calling such criticisms uninformed and shortsighted. In St-Pierre’s view, Makhachev’s dominance stems from a sophisticated blend of wrestling, sambo, and tactical striking, demonstrating a mastery that shouldn’t be underestimated. He praised Makhachev for his calm demeanor in the octagon and his ability to control fights through calculated pressure, setting a new standard for modern mixed martial artists.
St-Pierre broke down the qualities that make Makhachev’s approach so effective, highlighting a few key attributes:
- Technical precision: Smooth transitions that suffocate opponents’ chances to mount an offense
- Physical intelligence: Perfect timing combined with unmatched control of distance and pace
- Mental toughness: Unyielding composure even under high-pressure scenarios
To put it succinctly, St-Pierre stated that labeling Makhachev’s style as mere wrestling neglects the “brilliant chess-like strategy” he employs inside the cage. Rather than merely overpowering foes, Makhachev dismantles them with patience and adaptability, a craft that deserves more respect from fans and critics alike.
| Aspect | St-Pierre’s Take | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striking | Methodical and precise to set up takedowns | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Grappling | Dominant, yet fluid and technical | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fight IQ | Following Islam Makhachev’s impressive performance at UFC 322, Georges St-Pierre stepped up to defend the Russian fighter’s unique style, which has faced its share of skepticism from certain corners of the MMA community. GSP emphatically rejected the notion that Makhachev lacks “the art of fighting,” calling such criticisms uninformed and shortsighted. In St-Pierre’s view, Makhachev’s dominance stems from a sophisticated blend of wrestling, sambo, and tactical striking, demonstrating a mastery that shouldn’t be underestimated. He praised Makhachev for his calm demeanor in the octagon and his ability to control fights through calculated pressure, setting a new standard for modern mixed martial artists. St-Pierre broke down the qualities that make Makhachev’s approach so effective, highlighting a few key attributes:
To put it succinctly, St-Pierre stated that labeling Makhachev’s style as mere wrestling neglects the “brilliant chess-like strategy” he employs inside the cage. Rather than merely overpowering foes, Makhachev dismantles them with patience and adaptability, a craft that deserves more respect from fans and critics alike.
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