The biggest comeback in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization emanates from the Bell Centre in Montreal Saturday night as hometown hero and welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre finally returns from a career threatening knee injury. “GSP” collides with interim champion Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit in the main event of UFC 154, in what the Canadian calls the biggest challenge of his career.
Also on the card, two other leading welterweights – Martin Kampmann and Johny Hendricks – throw down in a fight to determine who goes forward towards a title shot at 170lbs.
Here’s what is on the minds of the combatants, just 48 hours before the highly anticipated Pay-Per-View event.
Georges St-Pierre, UFC welterweight champion
“I’m not going to think too much in there. I’m going to trust that I’ve prepared correctly and let my instincts guide me. I don’t want to think too much in the fight; I want to let my instincts tell me what to do in there. I have been thinking too much in some of my fights, and when you do that you are slower and not aggressive. This time I’m fighting more on instinct.
“The fire is back. You never know just what you have until it is taken away from you. Before my last fight (against Jake Shields, April 2011) I was like ‘Man, another fight and weight-cut, I cannot wait for it to be over and go on vacation’. But now the fire is back, and I cannot wait to fight and get back to doing what I do. I am a proud man and I want to prove that I am still No1. I’m scared to be back, there will be butterflies but I am happy to be fighting too.”
Carlos Condit, UFC interim welterweight champion
“I feel surprisingly calm, I usually put on a facade and pretend not to be nervous but, for this fight, I feel very calm and ready to do this. I’ve got several game-plans ready and I feel strong. I’m bringing it on Saturday night. I’m not going to fight recklessly but I know he’s the best takedown guy in the world and I have to make the most of every chance I get to attack him on the feet.
“I was told I have the best finish rate of any champion in the UFC, and I always look to end fights. This is the biggest fight of my career and I’m not going to do anything that has got me to this point.
“I’m an emotional guy, I cry at movies, man, so beating GSP and winning the world title… yeah, I’ll probably cry in the Octagon.”
Martin Kampmann, UFC welterweight contender
“For sure, this is a No.1 contender fight in my mind and I’m sure his mind too. I think we’re the last two guys standing at the top of the division.
“Hendricks has some of the best wrestling in the whole UFC. And he’s got those heavy hands. He’s a stocky, powerful dude but I’ve been hit before and come back to win. But of course I’m not planning to get hit by him. I’m planning on picking him apart, and hitting him with my big shots. I’ve sparred with him in the past and he hits hard and he’s maybe the best wrestler in the UFC, but I am ready.
“I’ve not had any easy fights in the UFC. I’ve fought everyone. And I’ve been here since 2006. It is hard to even stay in the UFC that long, but I’ve gotten better each year and now I think I can beat anyone in the division. I want the GSP vs. Condit winner, for sure.
“From a personal perspective, I can definitely see it being better for me if Carlos beats GSP. If I win and he wins, I think the fans will want to see Carlos prove that he can beat me because I’m the last guy to beat him. At the same time, I’d like to fight GSP for the title, because he’s the pound-for-pound guy and beating him is something that will be remembered in my career.
“But, first, I have to beat Hendricks.”
Johny Hendricks, UFC welterweight contender
“This is the fight where I prove I’m ready to be champion. I know you’re not supposed to look ahead at the next fight, but fighting for the title is something I’ve dreamed about for years and I’ve got one more win before I get to fight for that belt. That isn’t a distraction – that’s motivation.
“I used to spar with Martin but that was a long time ago. It means nothing. Let me put my fist on him once – and that means it is over. Martin can dish out a good shot but I can take it. I don’t know if he can take my best shot. I think he’s shown lately he can be hurt and I think I punch harder than anyone in the division.”
