Prime GSP beats Khabib Nurmagomedov, says Robert Whittaker

06 April 2024

The debate over the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the UFC lightweight division continues to captivate fans and fighters alike, with former champions offering their perspectives on the highly contested topic. Most recently, former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker shared his insights on the Pound 4 Pound podcast alongside current UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo.

During the podcast discussion, Whittaker delved into the hypothetical matchup between Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov, two legendary figures in the sport of mixed martial arts. Expressing his opinion on the matter, Whittaker asserted that St-Pierre's well-rounded skill set, encompassing exceptional wrestling and jiu-jitsu prowess, would have posed a formidable challenge for Nurmagomedov.

"I think GSP is much more well-rounded, I think he’s got the wrestling and the jiu-jitsu to kind of take away a lot of Nurmagomedov’s strengths," Whittaker remarked, emphasizing St-Pierre's versatility as a fighter.

Whittaker's remarks add further intrigue to the ongoing debate, offering a nuanced perspective on the contrasting styles and strengths of the two fighters. While acknowledging St-Pierre's potential to neutralize Nurmagomedov's grappling-centric approach, Whittaker also highlighted the challenges faced by St-Pierre towards the latter stages of his career.

Despite St-Pierre's legendary status and unparalleled achievements inside the octagon, Whittaker acknowledged the potential hurdles that the Canadian fighter may have encountered in a matchup against the formidable Nurmagomedov during the twilight of his career.

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In addition to his contributions inside the UFC's famed Octagon, St-Pierre's endeavors outside the organization have also garnered attention in recent times. Discussing a potential boxing matchup against Oscar De La Hoya, St-Pierre recently shed light on why the highly anticipated bout never materialized, adding another layer to his storied career.

As the debate over the GOAT in MMA rages on, Whittaker's insights serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in comparing fighters across different eras and disciplines. With fans and pundits continuing to analyze and discuss the legacies of fighters like St-Pierre and Nurmagomedov, the debate shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.