Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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Big interview after big interview.  My cousin has been landing em, one after one.  Teddy Freakin Atlas, Andre Berto, Juan Diaz, Richard Steele, Cung Lee .... the list goes on and on.  And he just landed his biggest.  UFC superstar Georges St. Pierre, one of the top couple pound for pound fighters in the world.  My cuz tracked him down, asked him about his coming fight at UFC 87, potential fights with B.J. Penn and Anderson Silva, and his thoughts about his rise to super-stardom in the sport.  Nice work cuz! Georges St. Pierre is considered one of the top mixed martial arts fighters in the world. He is either regarded as number or number two pound for pound along with Anderson Silva. His complete game makes him enjoyable to fans everywhere. The fighters he trains with look at him as a brother and have nothing but great things to say about him.

On August 9^th, at UFC 87, St. Pierre will be taking on Jon Fitch. He is considered to be the biggest threat to GSP for his UFC welterweight title. With an undefeated record in the UFC, Fitch is now going to be taking a huge step up in class. St. Pierre will come into the fight with an overall mma record of 16-2 and 10-2 in the UFC. Fitch has never lost in the octagon in eight fights and has a career record of 21-2.

The main event in August should be a very exciting one. Georges St. Pierre is currently training and recently took some time to speak with me on his upcoming bout and also a few other topics.

SS: Thanks a lot for taking the time to speak with me Georges, how is training going?

GSP: Training is going great. I am in the best shape of my life right now.

SS: You've got Jon Fitch coming up, what's the game plan for him?

GSP: Talking about my game plan is like playing cards, you don't want to show your hand. I have brought in a few different guys to train with. I am sparring with guys that are similar to Jon Fitch. I prepare with the best.

SS: Is your approach for Fitch any different than any other fighter you have prepared for?

GSP: He is the most well rounded fighter I have fought, he's the number one contender and I know he will be up for the challenge. I'll be ready and I will be in great shape.

SS: What are your thoughts on a potential rematch with BJ Penn, he said he wants to fight you again.

GSP: BJ Penn is very good and very skilled. I am willing to fight anyone but I will not look past Jon Fitch. I won't make the same mistake twice.

SS: There were also a few rumblings about a possible fight with Anderson Silva, would that ever happen?

GSP:  Who knows what will happen in the future? There are a lot of guys chasing my title right now. As of right now, that's not in my plans but it may happen one day.

SS: You fight at 170 pounds, Silva's at 185 and now he's fighting James Irvin at 205. Would that be possible for you to fight at 185?

GSP: I would just need a longer training camp to gain weight the right way. I would have to put together a diet and training program to gain the needed weight.

SS: You mentioned before you won't make the same mistake twice about looking past a fighter. I'm guessing you're referring to the Matt Serra fights. What was different the second time around?

GSP: I was a totally different guy the second fight. My head was all good. I had new training partners and even my circle of friends. The first fight I was beaten by the better man. I didn't want to exchange on his terms the second time. I distracted him by shooting because he wouldn't expect it.

SS: UFC 83 was when you defeated Matt Serra. It was in Montreal, your home. What was that like for you?

GSP: It was simply amazing. Easily the best crowd ever. It was a dream come true.

SS: You and Anderson Silva are considered the best in the sport right now, what does that mean to you?

GSP: It is a great honor. I want to be considered the best pound for pound fighter ever. I haven't reached that yet. I still have a lot to do in this sport. I set my goals very high. I am very lucky and privileged to do what I do. That's why you will always see me smiling, I love it and it's the lifestyle I chose.

SS: Is there anything you think you need to improve on?

GSP: I am far away from complete. Nobody is perfect. I am not as good as I want to be. I also believe I can be better in every aspect. My goal is to improve faster than everyone else because others in this sport can catch up with you.

SS: You're still a young guy at age 27, what has been your career highlight so far?

GSP: I would say beating both Matt Serra and Mat Hughes, they are both great champions. They both beat me and I was able to come back and beat them.

SS: Thanks a lot for speaking with me and thanks for making the sport the best in the world. I look forward to all of your fights and expect a great showing on August 9^th.

GSP: Thank you very much.

Anyone in the world of boxing or mma that you want to see our resident fight doctor interview?  Email him at scottswerb@theclevelandfan.com