Georges St. Pierre, a UFC Hall of Famer and renowned Canadian UFC athlete, is scheduled to make a comeback to competition this December, 2023. GSP has confirmed his participation in a grappling event as part of the UFC Fight Pass Invitational.
While GSP has been training with Elon Musk, it is not anticipated that he will face the entrepreneur or Mark Zuckerberg in a competition. However, the former two-weight division world champion continues to train under the guidance of John Danaher and has previously competed in the ADCC World Championships.
While the opponent for GSP has not been officially announced, some UFC veterans like former champion Glover Teixeira and Anthony Smith have recently taken part in submission grappling matches at Fight Pass Invitationals. Let’s speculate and create hypothetical odds for potential opponents who could face GSP in his next grappling bout.
GSP Opponent Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
| Gordon Ryan | -150 |
| Andre Galvao | +200 |
| Craig Jones | +300 |
| Vagner Rocha | +400 |
| Garry Tonon | +500 |
| Demian Maia | +600 |
| Ryan Hall | +700 |
| Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza | +800 |
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | +900 |
Gordan Ryan is the most likely contender to face GSP in a grappling fight, with a 60% chance.
Andre Galvao follows as the second most probable opponent with a 33% likelihood. Craig Jones, Vagner Rocha, and Garry Tonon also have reasonable chances, albeit slightly lower, with implied probabilities ranging from 25% to 17%.
Demian Maia, Ryan Hall, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, and Khabib Nurmagomedov are considered less likely contenders, with implied probabilities ranging from 14% to 10%.
Georges St. Pierre: Potential Grappling Opponents
Georges St. Pierre, the legendary mixed martial artist and former UFC Welterweight and Middleweight Champion, has been a dominant force in the world of combat sports for nearly two decades.
When GSP returns in December 2023, who would be the most likely opponents, and how would they stack up against the Canadian superstar? Let’s explore some potential matchups for GSP in the world of grappling.
Gordon Ryan
Gordon Ryan, widely considered the best no-gi grappler on the planet, would undoubtedly make for an incredible matchup against GSP. Ryan has won numerous high-level grappling competitions, including multiple ADCC World Championships and EBI titles. His grappling credentials far exceed GSP’s, but the challenge of facing an MMA legend could entice Ryan to take on the match.
Considering Ryan’s grappling pedigree and experience, he would likely be the favorite in this match. However, GSP is no stranger to underdog status, and his relentless work ethic and adaptability could make the match a fascinating clash of styles.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history. With a background in sambo and wrestling, Khabib showcased his exceptional grappling skills throughout his career, dominating opponents with his relentless takedowns and suffocating ground control.
Facing off against Georges St. Pierre (GSP), another legendary figure in MMA, in a grappling match would be an intriguing matchup. GSP is known for his well-rounded skills, including his wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu proficiency. However, Khabib’s relentless pressure and superior grappling techniques would pose a significant challenge for GSP.
If the pair we’re to face off at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, Khabib’s smothering style could prove difficult for GSP to handle. Khabib’s relentless takedowns and ability to control opponents on the ground could limit GSP’s opportunities to implement his own grappling strategies.
Khabib’s expertise in sambo, a martial art that emphasizes throws, submissions, and ground control, could give him an advantage in dictating the pace and positioning of the match.
Overall, a grappling match between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St. Pierre would be a clash of two elite grapplers with different styles. While Khabib’s relentless pressure and ground control could give him an initial edge, GSP’s technical skills and adaptability could present him with opportunities to counter and potentially submit Khabib.
Andre Galvao
Andre Galvao is another name that comes to mind when discussing elite grappling competitions. As one of the most decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors in history, Galvao would present an incredibly challenging test for GSP. Although Galvao has been inactive in recent years, a marquee matchup against St. Pierre could lure him back to the mats.
In this match, Galvao’s technical prowess and experience would make him the favorite. Nonetheless, GSP’s athleticism, wrestling, and determination could lead to an intense battle between these two legends.
Craig Jones
Craig Jones, an elite Australian grappler known for his dangerous leg lock game and aggressive style, would be another intriguing opponent for GSP. Jones has faced and defeated some of the biggest names in the grappling world, including ADCC World Champions and high-level MMA fighters.
Jones’ leg lock expertise and submission-oriented approach could pose significant problems for GSP. Yet, St. Pierre’s wrestling background and ability to survive in dangerous positions could make this a competitive grappling affair.
Jones achieved a decisive victory over former UFC fan favorite Donald Cerrone without resorting to any palm strikes. He showcased his wrestling proficiency by effectively executing the uchi-mata throw and employing leg lock entries from the overhook position during the stand-up exchanges.
On the ground, Jones clearly outclassed Cerrone. Although Cerrone managed to avoid most leg entanglements, he was unable to prevent Jones from taking his back. Approximately five minutes into the match, Jones secured a rear-naked chokehold. Despite Cerrone’s defensive strikes, he quickly submitted to Jones’s dominant position and relentless pressure.
Vagner Rocha
Vagner Rocha, a seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and MMA veteran has a wealth of experience and a tenacious, pressure-based grappling style. While not as high-profile as the previously mentioned grapplers, Rocha’s credentials and style could make for an exciting match against GSP.
Rocha’s relentless pace and submission hunting could test GSP’s grappling defense, but St. Pierre’s wrestling and overall grappling acumen could make this a closely contested match.
Garry Tonon
Garry Tonon, a talented American grappler and MMA fighter, is known for his dynamic and unpredictable grappling style. Tonon has faced some of the best grapplers in the world and has showcased his submission skills against top-notch competition.
Tonon’s creativity and submission prowess could pose challenges for GSP. However, St. Pierre’s wrestling and experience in high-stakes matches against elite opponents could level the playing field in this potential grappling matchup.
Certainly! Here’s an expanded overview of the grappling experience and how the styles of each fighter could fare against Georges St. Pierre (GSP) in a grappling match:
Demian Maia
Maia is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, holding a black belt under the renowned Nogueira brothers. Throughout his UFC career, Maia has consistently displayed his exceptional ground game, securing numerous submissions against top-level competition.
His ability to smoothly transition between positions and apply submissions from various angles could pose a significant challenge for GSP. Maia’s technical proficiency and submission-focused style would make him a formidable opponent in a grappling match with GSP.
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza
Jacare is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former Strikeforce middleweight champion. He is known for his aggressive grappling style, utilizing his world-class submission skills and explosive takedowns with 54% of Jacare’s MMA wins came by way of submission.
Jacare’s physicality and relentless pressure could potentially disrupt GSP’s rhythm in a grappling match. His ability to transition smoothly between positions and his proficiency in ground-and-pound make him a dangerous opponent. GSP would need to employ his tactical approach to neutralize Jacare’s aggression and capitalize on counter opportunities.
Ryan Hall
Hall is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt known for his unorthodox and highly effective submission techniques. He has demonstrated a unique approach to grappling, incorporating leg locks and unconventional transitions.
Hall’s ability to catch opponents off guard and capitalize on their mistakes could make him a tricky opponent for GSP. St-Pierre’s tactical approach and adaptability would be crucial in countering Hall’s unpredictable style and avoiding potential submission threats.
Gunnar Nelson
Nelson is one of the only active UFC fighters on the list that I could see taking part in the UFC Invitational. Gunnar is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and has displayed excellent grappling skills during his UFC career.
With a background in karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Nelson combines striking and grappling effectively. He is known for his technical ground game, utilizing precise transitions and submissions.
Nelson’s ability to control opponents on the ground and his proficiency in securing submissions could test GSP’s defensive skills. GSP’s strategic approach and wrestling expertise would be key in neutralizing Nelson’s grappling prowess and creating advantageous positions.
What are The Rules for GSP’s Grappling Fight?
One intriguing aspect to consider is the ruleset that will govern the upcoming match. Typically, the UFC Fight Pass Invitational adopts the widely recognized EBI rules, which incorporate diverse regulation periods.
However, it’s worth noting that in previous instances, they have introduced modified formats that incorporate scored rounds, akin to the structure observed in MMA bouts. At this juncture, no official announcement has been issued elucidating the specific rules or disclosing the identity of St. Pierre’s opponent.
Rest assured, as the anticipation builds, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await further details regarding the rules and the formidable adversary who will step into the grappling arena with this legendary athlete.