Georges St. Pierre has decided to train full-time with successful mixed martial arts trainer Greg Jackson in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to FightNetwork.com.
“Rush” has trained with Team Jackson on-and-off since earlier this year. The dynamic camp includes notables such as Nate Marquardt, Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine and Joey Villasenor, among others.
Here’s the snip:
“Highly regarded New Mexico coach Greg Jackson says he and his fighters expect to log a lot of air miles to Montreal in the coming months, with the recent addition of Quebec native Georges St. Pierre to his stable. St. Pierre recently dropped his trainer, ex-Soviet Special Forces sniper Victor Vargotsky, in favor of the Albuquerque-based Jackson….”
This is just the latest change for the Canadian since losing his welterweight title to Matt Serra at UFC 69 in April. In fact, since that time he has parted ways with long-time manager, Stephane Patry, and has begun seeing a sports psychologist to overcome some mental hurdles.
St. Pierre and the fans will get to see if these tweaks have made any difference as early as this weekend when he clashes with Josh Koscheck at UFC 74: “Respect” at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In other news, former Team Jackson member, Diego Sanchez, has relocated to the University of Jiu Jitsu (UNIJJ) to train with Saulo Ribeiro and his team in San Diego, Calif. Earlier this month we passed along news that Sanchez and Jackson had amicably parted ways so that the “Nightmare” could be closer to his family.
He’s already busy getting comfortable in his new surroundings and fitting in with his new training partners, according to a recent article on NewMexicoMMA.com.
Here’s the snip:
“… training hard with the Gi and more than holding his own was UFC Star Diego Sanchez. Diego is now part of UNIJJ and at this point is helping the team prepare for the Worlds while they help him prepare for his next UFC battle. Diego has been a presence at the academy and his work ethic fits perfect with this group, be it during Gi class … Diego is the picture of dedication and concentration and fits in with everyone here.”
Sanchez is of course getting ready to face Jon Fitch at UFC 76: “Knockout” on September 22. He’s looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Koscheck his last time out.
It’s important to note that the camp switches do not appear to be related. Perhaps, and this is pure speculation, the decision for St. Pierre to train exclusively with Team Jackson was made easier when Diego left for “The Golden State.”
Only time will tell how it works out for both fighters.
30 Comments »
Change is good.
Both Deigo and GSP benefit from this change, but for GSP it’s really to early to tell UFC 74 this weekend..time will tell.
good move for diego, but i’m not so sure for gsp, i’m skeptical about the jackson camp, just doesn’t seem like he produces many wins, i know his guys are always in big fights, but those are the ones your guys have to win, but jackson does get his guys in really really good shape training on that mountain and marquardt and evans will be good training partners for gsp and vice versa, so maybe this move will turn around the recent losing in the jackson camp…
I really don’t think GSP’s move was the good one. What he needed to do after loosing to serra was isolating what made him win… and go back to that.
The change might be good. But he could have just went back to what he was doing whe he beat Trigg/Penn/Hughes…
Im right with you Spida… I dont like that camp either. I feel like the camp is only “Par” not above par. Ive always felt that if Rashad got a better camp he would be even better.
The fact that GSP needed a Psychologist ended up putting more doubt into my head about him. Now Im on the fence on what the outcome will be in GSP vs Kos. I feel like Kos could pull off the upset now and GSP just mentally isnt a good fighter. Who knows. I love both GSP and KOS. Sucks two of my favs are fighting.
Well, looks like its time to bet on Koscheck. I mean, after all Greg Jackson did such a ‘great job’ training and cornering Diego for his fight against Kos. Not looking good for GSP…
[quote comment=”130890″]Both Deigo and GSP benefit from this change, but for GSP it’s really to early to tell UFC 74 this weekend..time will tell.[/quote]
I question the move that GSP is making. I dont know if Gregs camp is th right fit for him. He will prolly be the best fighter in the entire camp, which doesnt benefit GSP. Not that greg Jackson isnt qualified. Wew all know he is a fabulous trainer. But GSP is one of the top fighters in the world, Im sure any camp would welcome him wit open arms. I think GSP would benefit more from Team Quest or Coutures camp. if there are some mental hurdles to overcome (which I dont know if I believe even exsist), who better to learn the mental part from then Randy. He can learn how to prepare and execute perfect game plans. Randy can also teach him about career Longevity.
No disrespect to greg Jackson, b ut as of lately his fighters have not been performing to the best of their capabilities.
Rashad vs. Tito dissapointing
Houston vs. Jardine dissapointing
Kos vs. Sanchez dissapointing (although staph infection is one of the more legitimate excuses that I have herd a fighter use as of lately)
Marquardt may have just been outclassed.
Again, Im not knocking greg jackson, but If I were a young fighter at the top of a division, I would follow randy couture around all day, picking his brain, his training methods, his secrets to acheive career longevity, gameplanning, and how to bcome a consumate professional.
GSP go wit Randy!
Hey Mania: quick question. I understand that diego and GSP have left there camps. My question is
For their up comming fights, who were they training wit, their old camps? or new camps?
After seeing the UFC all access episode with Nate and Rashad in it, you can clearly see that Greg Jackson over-conditions his fighters. What he makes them do on that mountain is ridiculous. Rashad Evans looked skinnier than ever, and Nate weighed in like 4 lbs under for a title fight. The only reason for that would be = OVERTRAINING, or being a close bolemic. I’ll go with the 1st one in this case.
As far as Diego goes, why would he want to practice BJJ in a gi? If I was a UFC fighter, after I recieved my first couple BJJ belts, I would never want to practice with a gi again. Since you can’t wear the gi in the octagon, why train with it on? Of course, if he were training for a BJJ tournament, then sure, gi all you want. Training BJJ in a gi will put him at a disadvantage fighting bare skinned in the octagon.
[quote comment=”130922″]Im right with you Spida… I dont like that camp either. I feel like the camp is only “Par” not above par. Ive always felt that if Rashad got a better camp he would be even better.
The fact that GSP needed a Psychologist ended up putting more doubt into my head about him. Now Im on the fence on what the outcome will be in GSP vs Kos. I feel like Kos could pull off the upset now and GSP just mentally isnt a good fighter. Who knows. I love both GSP and KOS. Sucks two of my favs are fighting.[/quote]
I personally do not see any issue with GSP getting that sports psychologist. I’m sure many of these guys are using them but since everyone is suddenly questioning GSP’s mental side, his choice of using one has come out into the open. There is alot of pressure in the fight game, just like any other professional sport, so the use of a sports psychologist by GSP is simply showing initiative on his part to further develop his mental training. It’s a great move on GSP’s part. Psychologists are very common in the NBA and the NFL, so why not the UFC?
Many in the UFC say a fight is 20% physical and 80% mental (give or take), so what’s wrong with using a psychologist to develop and round out the mental aspect of things?
As for him moving to Jackson’s camp, that is a move that I’m a bit concerned about. It’s just such a volatile period in that camp. But hey, who are we to judge? We will never really know all the motives behind the move. A year ago, just like everyone else, I was saying man that camp is for real.
Pretty good trade for Team Jackson.
Y would u leave the trainers that helped bring u 2 the dance? If u r trained by this one guy your whole career, win the title, turn around and loose it, u’d blame your trainer for that? I’m not saying he did(GSP), but come-on. What else could it have been? Team Jackson has had unfortunate luck as of late. I’m not blaming Greg Jackson totally for that and I don’t mean to put that team down. I’m just saying, a little loyalty could go a long way…Maybe down the road GSP will reunite with his old partners. It’d be ironic if Diego trained with GSP’s old trainer and then defeated him, wouldn’t it?
Diego is training with a Gi as the team are going to the worlds so it’s better for them. Not sure if the compliment will be returned.
[quote comment=”130937″]Well, looks like its time to bet on Koscheck. I mean, after all Greg Jackson did such a ‘great job’ training and cornering Diego for his fight against Kos. Not looking good for GSP…[/quote]
Or you could look at it as Greg Jackson saw, first hand, what he needs to drill differently when he trains yet another fighter to fight Kos. Losses make you better.
[quote comment=”130943″][quote comment=”130890″]Both Deigo and GSP benefit from this change, but for GSP it’s really to early to tell UFC 74 this weekend..time will tell.[/quote]
I question the move that GSP is making. I dont know if Gregs camp is th right fit for him. He will prolly be the best fighter in the entire camp, which doesnt benefit GSP. Not that greg Jackson isnt qualified. Wew all know he is a fabulous trainer. But GSP is one of the top fighters in the world, Im sure any camp would welcome him wit open arms. I think GSP would benefit more from Team Quest or Coutures camp. if there are some mental hurdles to overcome (which I dont know if I believe even exsist), who better to learn the mental part from then Randy. He can learn how to prepare and execute perfect game plans. Randy can also teach him about career Longevity.
No disrespect to greg Jackson, b ut as of lately his fighters have not been performing to the best of their capabilities.
Rashad vs. Tito dissapointing
Houston vs. Jardine dissapointing
Kos vs. Sanchez dissapointing (although staph infection is one of the more legitimate excuses that I have herd a fighter use as of lately)
Marquardt may have just been outclassed.
Again, Im not knocking greg jackson, but If I were a young fighter at the top of a division, I would follow randy couture around all day, picking his brain, his training methods, his secrets to acheive career longevity, gameplanning, and how to bcome a consumate professional.
GSP go wit Randy![/quote]
..Great point..lets see what Greg can add to GSp and what GSP can add to the New Mex Crew..but in my mind Randy is the best source of learning in MMA..If I was GSP..I would be XCourtured/ ChuteBoxd out.
I knew it.
A lot of top athletes use Sports Psychologists to prepare themselves for competition, its not uncommon…
Do people think GSP is gonna become a complete pussy in the cage because of this? Come on, get a grip… If anything he will come back better than ever. Koscheck is FAR too confident coming into this fight…
[quote comment=”130937″]Well, looks like its time to bet on Koscheck. I mean, after all Greg Jackson did such a ‘great job’ training and cornering Diego for his fight against Kos. Not looking good for GSP…[/quote]
Deigo was injured - Staph Infection. If not I bet there would of been a different outcome.
[quote comment=”131018″]Y would u leave the trainers that helped bring u 2 the dance? If u r trained by this one guy your whole career, win the title, turn around and loose it, u’d blame your trainer for that? I’m not saying he did(GSP), but come-on. What else could it have been? Team Jackson has had unfortunate luck as of late. I’m not blaming Greg Jackson totally for that and I don’t mean to put that team down. I’m just saying, a little loyalty could go a long way…Maybe down the road GSP will reunite with his old partners. It’d be ironic if Diego trained with GSP’s old trainer and then defeated him, wouldn’t it?[/quote]
Greg’s team will be alternating locations. GSP was forced to get a new team after that saga with Serra and not being able to train with Gracie any longer. He will still training with the Olympic team, the Crow, Cote and what not. What was the guy to do? Train at Tri Star with a nobody?
[/quote]Again, Im not knocking greg jackson, but If I were a young fighter at the top of a division, I would follow randy couture around all day, picking his brain, his training methods, his secrets to acheive career longevity, gameplanning, and how to bcome a consumate professional.[/quote]
I was thinking the exact same thing. A frightening GSP would be a GSP with Randy Couture as his cornerman. And St. Pierre has openly called Couture his idol, referring to his example in various interviews over the years. GSP called Hughes an “idol” as well at one point, but I think that was just his poor English skills at the time causing him to misuse that word.
Randy is probably one of the best men to learn and train with, because he’s been in the game so long and always seems to come out with fantastic conditioning without being overtrained. Couture also repeatedly talks about Tito Ortiz’ overtraining, which makes me feel that The Natural really knows his shit.
GSP is amongst the best of his weight class (if not all of MMA), and I don’t think his conditioning has ever been an issue. I can’t see what he would gain from Greg Jackson’s camp. I really believe that St. Pierre, at this point in his career, needs to train with champions, not would-be champions. St. Pierre is a champion. He’s not a top tier fighter that needs to be pushed to championship level. He’s already there. What I think he needs is to be guided into a place mentally where he can maintain his position at the top, or else he’ll always find himself holding then relinquishing the title quickly. I can’t think of anyone better suited for such a job than Randy Couture.
I see people — including Koscheck — referring to St. Pierre’s seeing a sports psychologist as a weakness, and I think that’s just reflective of society’s general ignorance of mental healthcare. If you break your arm, you see a doctor and you’ll get better. If your mind needs a little nudge here and there, you see a psychologist and you get better. As long as GSP has it in him, he’ll be stronger than he ever was by going through the therapy. Breakthroughs sometimes occur seemingly out of the blue in psychological therapy, and if GSP has one before the Koscheck fight, he’ll be an animal because he’ll be closer to his potential, which we all agree is just fucking sick.
He and BJ Penn have the most potential in all of mixed martial arts, but each man seems only now to be realizing that, even outside of fighting, there are techniques that you must follow to be a better fighter. When you fill all the small cracks, the wall as a whole becomes more stable. An improved Georges St. Pierre and BJ Penn mean good things for mixed martial arts. I’m very excited to see what’s in store for these two guys.
When I think about a strong (inside and out) Georges St. Pierre, I feel kind of sorry for Koscheck. But a devastating loss might be good for him at this point because you don’t learn from winning.
people knock jackson because his fighters may not preform the best.. CMON guys .. you cant blame anyone’s preformance on jackson.. when that fighter gets to the cage Its up to the fighter to preform his best. a coach can only do so much..
Good for GSP. He could train with anyone and still be a top fighter in his division.
So he’s officially part of the team now? WOW! I heard that he trained with them prior to Serra fight.
xcouture/chute box would benefit GSP the most
Greg Jacksons gonna make him climb that dumb ass mountain, and then loose!
Everyone who has talked about training on that damn mountain in the past 6 months has lost (rashad fought to a draw)
GSP please stay away from that mountain
Hey Mania: quick question. I understand that diego and GSP have left there camps. My question is
For their up comming fights, who were they training wit, their old camps? or new camps?
Anyone have any info on this?
[quote comment=”131234″]xcouture/chute box would benefit GSP the most
Greg Jacksons gonna make him climb that dumb ass mountain, and then loose!
Everyone who has talked about training on that damn mountain in the past 6 months has lost (rashad fought to a draw)
GSP please stay away from that mountain[/quote]
John, hahaha, hilarious. That damn mountain. GSP will come in for the weigh-in at like 162 or some crap like that.
I think people are too hard on the jackson camp here, he’s a trainer not a magician, nate in my opinion was out of him league with silva, it my book clearly not greg jackson’s fault. Gsp lost his last fight because he made a mistike, ducked and got hit which to me had nothing to do with his training he simply got caught, end of story. I really don’t think rashad would have done any better training at a different camp, to be honest I think GSP is jacksons only top fighter in that camp. People would be saying how great jackson is if rampage and Anderson silva were fighting there, but its really only because there top fighters. When GSP totally destroys koscheck jackson will get his credit but to me GSP would have done the same thing where ever he trained.
[quote comment=”131672″]When GSP totally destroys koscheck jackson will get his credit but to me GSP would have done the same thing where ever he trained.[/quote]
For me, I think it’s not so much about this one fight but St. Pierre’s longevity at the top of this game. It just seems like right now GSP would need a champion who’s been there, done that to mentor him at this crucial point in his career and life. The guy’s 26 years old, and this is a very important stage in his growth not only as a fighter but as a man. I don’t think any influence would be better for him than Randy Couture’s but who the hell knows? Maybe I’m reading into it too much. GSP is one of my favorite fighters, and I’d really like to see some changes in him. I’ve always thought he was a little too soft inside, which made me wonder about him once his winning streak came to an end. I think everyone wrote off his loss to Hughes, so Serra was GSP’s first real defeat, and it came in devastating fashion. I won’t know for another few years whether my concerns about GSP were valid though.
Take someone like BJ Penn on the other hand, who is just a crazy man. I never worry about him. His mind isn’t affected by losing, or winning for that matter. He just fights. Any bass-ass nutcase who would take a 55 frame and fight in 70, 85 and in heavyweight, doesn’t care about losing. Haha, BJ, what a nut.
Anyway, fighters change camps all the time, so it’s not like St. Pierre is tattooing “Greg Jackson” all over his body. He may be a part of Xtreme Couture or Team Quest in the future. I just hope he finds a camp that will bring out in him his full potential, because I’m curious to see what that is.
It’s ridiculous that anyone would think Jackson’s camp is “struggling”. Marquardt lost to Anderson Silva, for crying out loud. That doesn’t reflect badly on anyone. Rashad went to a draw with Tito Ortiz–again, no one can say that that is a poor performance–especially when the same people are all on Forrest’s bandwagon.
All of Jackson’s top people (including GSP now) are still top contenders. It’s ludicrous for anyone to think that you have to have MFS-level success (with 3 or 4 concurrent champions) to be a top camp. Dummies.
Why isn’t anyone talking about all the losses Pat Miletich’s camp has been racking up recently? What happend? Are we suppose to consider him a bad coach now? Being considered a great coach takes long dedication and a consistent record. It’s ridiculous to think any coach will be able to completely dominate a complicated sport such as mma.