From mmaweekly.com
Following a storm of controversy after his win at UFC 94, welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre has released a statement regarding the recent allegations concerning his performance and the Vaseline incident involving his corners.
St. Pierre stated to MMAWeekly Radio on Wednesday that he is moving past this situation and simply looking to the future, and this will be the official statement from him to the world regarding the matter.
"George St. Pierre’s successful welterweight title defense at UFC 94 was the direct result of his disciplined preparation and skillful execution of a masterful gameplan. Any implication to the contrary would diminish the significance of
what was perhaps the biggest fight in MMA history," the statement read.
St. Pierre added, “I have never cheated in my life, and as my fans know, I am deeply committed to upholding the integrity of the sport. My entire camp and I have been completely open about what happened during my fight at UFC
94 – we have nothing to hide."
He went on to address the ritual that coach Greg Jackson attributed to witch doctor Steve Friend, who has worked closely with St. Pierre with an energy inducing technique. "One of my cornermen did use an energy technique to help with my breathing that involves rubbing my back. He’s also done this in my previous fights. If there was any Vaseline left on his hand after he put it on my face, it was unintentional, and I do not believe it made the slightest difference in the outcome of the fight.
"Of course it’s up to the UFC, but I would be happy to offer B.J. a second rematch," said St. Pierre. "I am confident the outcome will be the same."
The statement concluded with the camp focusing on the future. "Team GSP is currently enjoying our victory celebration and we will soon turn our attention and focus toward Georges’ next competitor – Thiago Alves."
Penn, on his official website, BJPenn.com, accepted St. Pierre's offer of another rematch, "To the untrained eye the grease might not look like much, but every grappler knows the effect that it has. Being able to apply your submissions and sweeps or just being able to hold on to your opponent to defend yourself from being hit is absolutely critical! ... I hereby accept George St. Pierre and Greg Jackson’s challenge for a fight in the summer 2009. Lets call Dana now and set it up."
With Alves patiently awaiting his title shot against St. Pierre, and Kenny Florian anxious for his opportunity at Penn's lightweight belt, another rematch between St. Pierre and Penn isn't likely to happen this summer, but the stage is being set.
Following a storm of controversy after his win at UFC 94, welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre has released a statement regarding the recent allegations concerning his performance and the Vaseline incident involving his corners.
St. Pierre stated to MMAWeekly Radio on Wednesday that he is moving past this situation and simply looking to the future, and this will be the official statement from him to the world regarding the matter.
"George St. Pierre’s successful welterweight title defense at UFC 94 was the direct result of his disciplined preparation and skillful execution of a masterful gameplan. Any implication to the contrary would diminish the significance of
what was perhaps the biggest fight in MMA history," the statement read.
St. Pierre added, “I have never cheated in my life, and as my fans know, I am deeply committed to upholding the integrity of the sport. My entire camp and I have been completely open about what happened during my fight at UFC
94 – we have nothing to hide."
He went on to address the ritual that coach Greg Jackson attributed to witch doctor Steve Friend, who has worked closely with St. Pierre with an energy inducing technique. "One of my cornermen did use an energy technique to help with my breathing that involves rubbing my back. He’s also done this in my previous fights. If there was any Vaseline left on his hand after he put it on my face, it was unintentional, and I do not believe it made the slightest difference in the outcome of the fight.
"Of course it’s up to the UFC, but I would be happy to offer B.J. a second rematch," said St. Pierre. "I am confident the outcome will be the same."
The statement concluded with the camp focusing on the future. "Team GSP is currently enjoying our victory celebration and we will soon turn our attention and focus toward Georges’ next competitor – Thiago Alves."
Penn, on his official website, BJPenn.com, accepted St. Pierre's offer of another rematch, "To the untrained eye the grease might not look like much, but every grappler knows the effect that it has. Being able to apply your submissions and sweeps or just being able to hold on to your opponent to defend yourself from being hit is absolutely critical! ... I hereby accept George St. Pierre and Greg Jackson’s challenge for a fight in the summer 2009. Lets call Dana now and set it up."
With Alves patiently awaiting his title shot against St. Pierre, and Kenny Florian anxious for his opportunity at Penn's lightweight belt, another rematch between St. Pierre and Penn isn't likely to happen this summer, but the stage is being set.
