Is Georges St-Pierre the Greatest MMA Fighter of All Time?

As Montreal prepares to host UFC 315 this Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Bell Centre, the event marks the UFC’s return to the city for the first time since 2015 . The main event features Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad defending his title against Jack Della Maddalena, while the co-main event sees Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko facing Manon Fiorot.

This card not only brings top-tier MMA action back to Montreal but also rekindles memories of Georges St-Pierre’s legendary performances in the same arena, where he headlined multiple events and solidified his status as one of the sport’s greats .

It’s one of MMA’s most enduring debates. Ask ten fight fans who the GOAT is, and you’ll hear ten different arguments; some shout Khabib, others insist on Silva or Jones. But Georges St-Pierre? He’s always in the conversation. Sometimes he is the conversation.

Let’s take a closer look, from both angles.

Of Course He Is (Why GSP Might Be the GOAT)

There’s a reason GSP’s name comes up every time the GOAT debate hits social media. Actually, there are a few.

A record that holds up to scrutiny

GSP retired with a professional record of 26 wins and just 2 losses. He held the UFC welterweight title twice, the middleweight title once, and was never finished in his entire career. His nine straight title defences at welterweight remain one of the most impressive runs in UFC history.

He also returned after a four-year hiatus and immediately won gold in a new weight class. He didn’t need a tune-up fight. He just walked in, submitted Michael Bisping, and walked out with a second title.

He beat everyone and then beat them again

Matt Hughes, BJ Penn, Josh Koscheck, Nick Diaz, Carlos Condit, Johny Hendricks, Michael Bisping—the list is stacked. GSP avenged both of his career losses, and in dominant fashion. He didn’t avoid tough matchups. He solved them.

He changed what dominance looked like

GSP wasn’t just winning, he was breaking opponents down. He holds the UFC record for most takedowns (90) and could control elite fighters for five rounds with little damage taken. He was arguably the first MMA champion to weaponize strategy at the highest level, mixing striking, wrestling, and game planning in a way that’s now standard for elite fighters.

He did it clean

In a sport plagued by failed drug tests and controversy, GSP stayed above the noise. No weight issues. No suspensions. No post-fight pressers about pulsing picograms. He was a consummate professional from start to finish, and that matters when judging greatness.

Not So Fast (The Case Against GSP as MMA’s Greatest)

Even the greatest legacies have weak spots. Here’s the case against calling him the GOAT.

He played it safe

There’s no question GSP was effective, the question is, was he exciting? Many of his title defences ended in decisions, and critics argue he often prioritized control over damage. Compare that to Anderson Silva, who racked up highlight-reel finishes during his own reign, or Jon Jones, who fought aggressively and decisively in his early run.

GSP didn’t always inspire fear but he did inspire frustration.

The Hendricks fight lingers

UFC 167 ended with GSP retaining his title via split decision over Johny Hendricks, but not without controversy. Many media members scored the fight for Hendricks, and Dana White famously slammed the decision post-fight. It was GSP’s final welterweight appearance and he vacated the belt shortly after. Fair or not, it casts a shadow on the end of his dominant run.

The middleweight reign never really happened

His comeback win over Bisping was impressive, but short-lived. GSP vacated the middleweight title within a month due to colitis and never defended the belt. That move raised questions. Did he cherry pick a favourable matchup? Would he have fared as well against Whittaker or Romero?

Other resumes are just as strong, if not stronger

Jon Jones has more title wins and fought a deeper roster of top light heavyweights. Anderson Silva won 16 straight in the UFC, with 14 finishes. Khabib retired undefeated, barely losing a round. Demetrious Johnson reigned longer and remained dominant across two organizations.

Greatness is subjective, but if the criteria include finishes, sustained activity, and strength of opposition, GSP isn’t a lock.

Where GSP Ranks in MMA History

Georges St-Pierre is a foundational figure in MMA history. He elevated the sport. He raised the bar for what it meant to be a champion inside the cage and outside it. His legacy is secure.

Is he the GOAT? It depends what you value most. If you want longevity, professionalism, and complete mastery of the modern MMA toolkit, GSP might be your number one. If you lean toward dominance, danger, and finishing ability, you might pick someone else.

But one thing’s certain: no serious GOAT list is complete without him.