Georges St-Pierre’s Close Encounter with a Silverback Gorilla
Georges St-Pierre, one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, has faced some of the toughest opponents in his career. But there was one opponent he wanted no part of – a silverback gorilla.
During a trip to Rwanda, St-Pierre had a close encounter with the fearsome creature while on a gorilla trekking excursion. He was given strict rules by his guide, including not looking at the gorilla, not eating in front of it, and not taking flash photos. But when the gorilla approached him, St-Pierre had to submit and make himself in a submissive pose to survive.
St-Pierre shared this funny story on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, where he also revealed his admiration for wildlife and how it has influenced his fighting style. He even showed the hosts, Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman, his signature jab, which he says is based on the movement of a snake.
But back to the gorilla encounter – St-Pierre described how he could see the gorilla’s muscle definition through its fur and how it was a completely different experience from seeing them on TV. He also shared a video from a previous encounter with a gorilla, though it’s unclear if it was the same incident.
St-Pierre’s respect for wildlife extends beyond just his personal experiences. He encourages others to go on gorilla treks, not only for the experience but also to support wildlife preservation efforts.
St-Pierre’s Encounter Serves as Inspiration for His Fighting Style
St-Pierre’s passion for wildlife is not just limited to his personal experiences, it has also influenced his fighting style. He explained how he studied the movement of a snake and incorporated it into his jab, creating a false sense of security for his opponents before striking.
Despite facing some of the toughest opponents in the octagon, St-Pierre wisely chose to avoid a fight with a silverback gorilla. And with his retirement from MMA, he can now look back and laugh at the terrifying experience.
St-Pierre’s Legacy Extends Beyond the Octagon
St-Pierre’s legacy in MMA is undeniable, with a record of 20-2 and victories against some of the biggest names in the sport. But his passion for wildlife and his respect for nature show that his impact goes beyond just the octagon.
So the next time you see St-Pierre throw his signature jab, remember that it was inspired by a snake and his encounter with a silverback gorilla. And maybe consider going on a gorilla trek yourself, just like the legendary fighter.
