Randy Couture, BJ Penn, Conor McGregor and now, Georges St-Pierre.
Georges St-Pierre has become just the fourth fighter in UFC history to hold belts in two weight classes.
The former welterweight champion secured his first finish in almost nine years in his comeback fight in UFC 217’s main event against Michael Bisping.
From the opening moments, it was clear that GSP was going to deliver on his promise of standing and trading with ‘the Count’. He immediately took to the centre of the Octagon while the Brit circled on the outside and tried to work his jab. The fight on the feet was fairly even in the first frame, but a brief takedown from ‘Rush’ secured him the round.
First significant strike, Bisping! 🙈#UFC217 pic.twitter.com/ae4E1x1MBs
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) November 5, 2017
Bisping came into the fight more in the second round, finding home with his hands more frequently. He popped St-Pierre’s head backwards with a stiff right at the midway point of the round, but Bisping was briefly taken down again before it ended. Once they got back standing, St-Pierre looked notably slower and Bisping capitalised with his stand-up to edge the striking battle.
Bisping wasn’t long off his stool when St-Pierre took him down for the third time. Bisping cut St-Pierre with an elbow from half guard and eventually, they both got back standing again.
A perfectly-executed left hook saw Bisping crumble backwards to the canvas when St-Pierre followed and began hammering him with punches. He took his back and sunk in the rear-naked choke. Bisping refused to tap, so the referee stepped in when he went limp at the 4:23 mark.
ANNNNDDDDDDD NEWWWWWWW!
OH MY GOODNESS!
Georges St-Pierre chokes out Michael Bisping and is the new middleweight champion! 🏆#UFC217 pic.twitter.com/NxeVvAdvfs
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) November 5, 2017
It was thought that Bisping may retire with the loss, but he confirmed after the fight that we had not seen the last of him.
“I’m not done. He beat me, he fucking choked me out. Congratulations.”
What a fight! What a night!
