UFC 94 Promo Tour Highlights
by StPierre 
Last week, Tuesday Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson came to Montreal with his father for training. We trained a little bit - he taught me a lot of new stuff for my striking skills. His father is a very good mentor for me & a very good teacher. Unfortunately, Stephen hurt his knee and will have to do surgery for it. I left Saturday a.m. for the press tour in Vegas, and he stayed in Montreal until Sunday - when he left back home he had to do surgery for his knee. I wish him the best for his rehabilitation. Saturday a.m. I took a very early flight to Vegas. When I got in Vegas, right away I had to go change in my hotel and right away after that to do a press conference to announce my next fight with BJ Penn, Saturday, January 31. So I did the press conference - I was a little bit in a rush - I get in my hotel, I throw my luggage in my room & I change really fast - I went to do the press conference. Then after I came back, took a little nap, and I got ready for the show (UFC 91). It was funny because I was sitting right next to Brock Lesnar's parents. They are very nice guys - I was expecting his parents to be very tall and very big, you know? But they're normal size - I mean they're tall, but not as tall as Brock. His dad & his mom are very nice - we had a good talk, and I really had a good time with them. They were to my right and on my left side I was with Wanderlei Silva so I had a chance to practice my Portuguese a little bit more. He's a very nice guy. I'm a big fan of Randy Couture. I think he was doing pretty well until he got caught with the punch. Unfortunately in MMA when you make a mistake you go back home, you know? Especially against a guy like Brock Lesnar - he's very big, so he's got a big weight difference between him and Randy, so he caught him with a punch right behind the ears and he didn't forgive. Sunday, I was supposed to fly in a red-eye flight to Toronto. Unfortunately my flight got canceled, so I went to eat sushi with my friend, Steven Friend, that we call the Witch Doctor, and we eat very good sushi together. Then after I went to stay over at his house. Steven Friend is my manager's boyfriend, so I stay over at my manager's house along with her three dogs. One of her dogs is barking to me all the time - I don't know - I think she might not like me. But apparently she does that to everybody. Monday very early we flew to Toronto. We get in Toronto and we had to change very fast. In the same time, one of my friends and training partners, Phillip Allaire, came to reach me at the airport. He came to train me while I was away from home, to help me train Muay Thai. He spent a lot of time in Thailand and he's a very good teacher. At night we went to the Maple Leafs game. It was very funny because they make me do an announcement on the screen in front of everybody in the Air Canada Center with a Maple Leafs jersey. I said "To the Count of Three, I want everybody to get very noisy". Then the crowd went nuts, they applaud me. When the camera went off me, I sat down and took my jersey off. And when I was taking my jersey off, the camera came back on me and the crowd started booing me because they know I'm from Montreal and I'm a Montreal Canadiens fan. I thought it was very funny. Tuesday in Toronto we did a press conference that was also open to fans. Some of them had been in line since 6a.m.... that's incredible, and I want to thank them for their support. One of the fans did a painting of me - this is an amazing picture. He's a very gifted artist and he gave me a picture that he had painted of me... what a very nice guy and a great painter as well! Wednesday morning we woke up early. All together we flew to Hawaii (me and BJ sat on opposite sides of the plane). During my flight, while I exploring my new phone (a Blackberry) from Bell Canada, a company that I'm sponsored by, I discovered a new game on my phone - it's called "Brick Breaker". I am addicted to it right now - every time I've got free time I'm playing with it. It's good because it make the time go fast, especially when I'm traveling in the plane. I'm pretty bad at it, but I'm getting better. I've made a lot of progress. Thursday a.m. I went to a radio show with BJ and they gave me a taste of Hawaiian cuisine. In the beginning when I took my bite - before I swallowed it they told me it was cat. So I right away spit it out because I thought it was true. And then after they told me it was a joke. It was pork - a piece of pork in pasta - it was pretty good. At night I went to eat in a restaurant - they stayed open late for me. It's called DK's Steakhouse, and I want to say "thanks" to John Nadina for his hospitality. Friday, I had a morning interview with many radio stations and tv channels. During my trip to Toronto and Hawaii, I tried to squeeze some training when I had time. I had only time for 1 training per day. It was very hard because all this press tour make me very tired and the only time that I had free I used it for training. So I can't wait to go back home - even though it was fun, now it's time to get serious and start training for my next fight. Friday afternoon was the last press conference on the promotional tour... like Toronto, it was open to the public because we also signed autographs & took pictures with the fans. I was very honored to learn that two fans had spent the entire night to be the first in line, and they were there to meet me, not BJ! Mahalo to Sheila & Kathy from Mililani, Oahu! Check out Shari's blog -- she will sharing some of the media coverage (www.yardbarker.com/users/GSPMgr). I'm back home now resting, for next week the real work begins...
gspsuperfan replied November 24, 2008
on_the_verge replied November 24, 2008
Brprincess replied January 21, 2009
Brprincess replied January 21, 2009
gspresponds replied January 16, 2009
Adrienne replied November 24, 2008
grmd61 replied November 24, 2008
rumbler replied November 24, 2008
jamielee replied November 25, 2008
ISuck said November 23, 2008
MarcAntoine said November 23, 2008
Stefania said November 23, 2008
Luca26 said November 23, 2008
GSPMgr said November 23, 2008
on_the_verge replied November 24, 2008
grmd61 said November 23, 2008
JourneyKat75 said November 23, 2008
xoxo
Luca26 said November 23, 2008
mike88888 said November 23, 2008
GSP P4P Best In The World!!!
martinlav said November 23, 2008
Souvent les gens te disent merci, et tu ne dois pas savoir trop pourquoi... je suis dans une situation, à plus petite échelle, ou quelques dizaines de personnes me conaissent, et souvent me remercient, sans trop que je sache ce que j'ai fait pour eux. J'aimerais t'exprimer ce que tu fais pour nous :
Merci de continuer à faire un bon modèle pour la jeunesse. De ne pas laisser ton succès t'enfler la tête.
Merci de représenter le québec à l'international. Tu es de loin le meilleur représentant de notre culture, ta personalité reflête beaucoup la manière d'agir de plusieurs canadiens français.
Merci de me permettre de garder contact avec des amis et d'animer nos vies. De nous donner une raison de nous réunir, de fêter ou de pleurer ensemble.
C'est un peu dommages que les médias ici ne réalisent pas ton 'statut' au niveau international. J'espères que ça vas venir.
Mon frère est une personne exceptionnelle, quelqu'un qui est à la fois premier de classe et dans l'élite sportive (ça lui prend normalement 2-3 mois dans un sport pour être dans l'élite sportive québécoise, il s'entraine comme un athlète pro depuis qu'il a 8 ans). Toutes les portes sont ouvertes en avant de lui.
Je dois te dis ça que tu es son modèle. Ton humilitée et ta volontée de toujours t'améliorer le pousse plus loin.
sur ce... merci
dillo24 said November 23, 2008
It's funny that you mentioned sitting next to Silva at UFC 91 cause while me and my friends were watching it, they showed the two of you sitting next to each other and one of my friends was like...."what the hell do you think they are talking about?" hahaha
Oh, and watch out for Brickbreaker!!!! My girlfriend is obsessed with that game and it has really made for some very lonely nights for myself if you know that I mean!!!! Take care Georges, and train hard!!!!
Ohh yeah, by the way...I thought it was hillarious how you responed to the fan at the press conference when he asked about you spending the night in the hospital after the first fight with BJ....HAHA, Nicely done GSP!!!!
aali14 said November 23, 2008
ZingRouleau said November 23, 2008
let us know.
flamesgirl12 said November 23, 2008
I've got the Blackberry Curve and LOVE playing Brickbreaker! It's what I do on the train to work everyday lol
I saw your appearance at the Leafs game...Priceless lol
I hope you get a chance to post again soon.
Mel
GSPfan808 said November 23, 2008
jjwitelho said November 23, 2008
I too would have thought Brock's parents would be huge too. I mean what does the guy have size 5x gloves or something. A while back I was watching one of his fights I believe it was against Herring. Joe Rogan referred to Brock's fists as canned hams. Now thats a big boy!! I read an artical recently that referred to him as an albino gorrilla which I think is the perfect description for Brock.
I have never heard of Brick Breaker before, I'll have to try it. The game that I am addicted to Bejeweled, you should try it, but beware it is very addicting!!
Thanks for sharing the normalcy of your life, and letting us all know you are still normal like all of us. I think once you hit "stardom" people seem to think your life changes. Which I am sure in somecase it does. But you seem to still hold on to your roots and are willing to share with all of us. So for that Thank you. I always enjoy reading your blogs and seeing what you have been up to. I look forward to the next.
johnlives said November 23, 2008
GSPtheGREATfan said November 23, 2008
I hope that your friends rehab goes well send him my warmest wishes!!!
AshHansen said November 23, 2008
Thanks for the update! Great to hear the Hawaii'n fans showed you love, as they must have a real appreciation for the sport beyond supporting their Hometown Hero BJ. It must have surprised you that the first fans in Hawaii were there to see you. I'm sure BJ was "not impressed".. ; P I'm glad your still squeezing in time for your training during the promo schedule as well, that would be tough..
I've got to start saving hard now as I was lucky to get a ticket to your next fight as well ($500 AUD). Will be worth it though. Hope to meet you, get a photo and autograph mate! That would be awesome! Where can I buy one of Affliction shirts in Vegas champ?
Thanks for the post again, train hard and take care!
Ash
Deadlift410 said November 23, 2008
danielle22 said November 23, 2008
Danielle.
nastshabast said November 23, 2008
GSP4P
Adrienne said November 24, 2008
xoxo
Adrienne
on_the_verge said November 24, 2008
=)
daveh416 said November 24, 2008
Also very cool that Bell is one of his sponsors.
PSPmontreal said November 24, 2008
In one of the recent promo interview you did, I just pissed my pants to see BJ suddenly trying to become the 'nice' guy fighting with his 'heart' and being dedicted to his sport... He sounded like someone in needs of a new personallity and trying to..... steal your image ! Just can't wait anymore to see this UFC 94... really deserve a superman punch !
funkywanderer said November 24, 2008
I always love your blogs. Thank-you so much for taking the time to write, and stay in touch with our fans. It's really wonderful to get these "personal" updates that allow us some insight into your life inside and outside of the octagon.
I was at the Toronto press conference. To the other fans, I would like to say that Georges is a really nice guy. I was running late for the press conference, and came running up the escalator only to see BJ and Dana standing with a bunch of UFC press types. I kept walking as I figured there was no chance of talking to them...low and behold, who do I run into but "Rush" himself. I asked for a quick photo, and GSP smiled and seemed about to oblige when one of the UFC handlers came up and shooed me away. Too bad...
Also, in BJ's defence, I thought that he conducted himself very well at the press conference and was quite respectful of Georges' abilities.
crash_override said November 25, 2008
I was the first person in line (4:30am!!!) for the Toronto press conference. Let me just say that it was worth the wait! You, BJ and Dana were very accomodating to the fans and it was a pleasure meeting you and your manager Shari. I wish you nothing but the best success in 2009 and especially for your fight against BJ. UFC fans are some of the best people I have ever met and it was an honour to be in your presecence in Toronto. Don't be a stranger!
Seebald said November 25, 2008
bDavid said November 26, 2008
MysteryGirl said November 26, 2008
gspresponds replied January 16, 2009
grmd61 said November 27, 2008
gspresponds replied January 16, 2009
harinmckeaster said November 28, 2008
seryiously said November 29, 2008
mercymercy said November 29, 2008
GSPFan4LIFE said December 01, 2008
GSPFAN_01 said December 02, 2008
MMAMommy said December 03, 2008
pinball said December 04, 2008
pinball said December 04, 2008
loot24 said December 04, 2008
MikeRobison said December 09, 2008
DolceXOXO said December 10, 2008
So did you enjoy your stay in Hawaii? I hope so! Sounds like you made the most of your time here :) DK's is good but there are better places to eat at here... Get a chance to go to the beach at all?
Trisha said December 15, 2008
michaelborne said December 24, 2008
http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2008/12/22/athlete_gsp/
tikitmb replied December 24, 2008
michaelborne said December 30, 2008
By JAMES BRYDON
Sportsnet.ca
Player embedded into articles on Sportsnet
Video: UFC: Showdown looks at GSP's year RelatedVideo:
GSP talks to Sportsnet
McCor**** blog:
You the voters got it right
For the first time in Sportsnet history, a mixed martial arts fighter has been named Canadian Athlete of the Year.
Montreal's Georges St. Pierre capped a championship 2008 by receiving Sportsnet's coveted honour, beating out hockey player Jarome Iginla, Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc, tennis player Daniel Nestor and baseball player Justin Morneau.
"It's an honour for me to have this award and being the first MMA guy to receive something like this," St. Pierre told Sportsnet. "I want to congratulate the other nominees because they have done an incredible job in their respective sports, making this an even more special honour.
"I want to thank Rogers Sportsnet and (Sportsnet analyst Showdown) Joe Ferraro for promoting the sport of MMA, because without them the sport would not be as known as it is right now in Canada. I want to thank everybody for their support and voting for me -- I want to be a good Canadian ambassador for the sport and represent MMA well."
St. Pierre was selected by readers of Sportsnet.ca through a week-long voting process with a whopping 89 per cent of the vote.
St. Pierre, the world's top welterweight and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, had the best year of his career in 2008.
He began the year as the interim welterweight champion after defeating Matt Hughes on Dec. 29, 2007 at UFC 79 in Las Vegas. On April 19, in front of a hometown crowd in Montreal's Bell Centre, St. Pierre became outright champion when he beat Matt Serra at UFC 83. The Montreal card was the first UFC fight in Canada.
St. Pierre successfully defended the welterweight belt for the first time in his career in August in one of the best and most entertaining fights of 2008. On Aug. 25 at UFC 86 in Las Vegas he went five rounds with a game Jon Fitch, but was never really in trouble, dominating throughout the bout which was named fight of the ***ht.
As an added headline to the year, he became the first MMA fighter to sign with CAA Sports, the same marketing agency that lists sports stars such as the NHL's Sidney Crosby, Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees and the NBA's LeBron James as clients.
"I continue to be both amazed and humbled by the overwhelmingly strong response Georges receives from all across Canada, not just Quebec," said Shari L. Spencer, St. Pierre's manager and president of GSP Enterprise. "Sportsnet's consistent coverage is no doubt a significant contributing factor to this support, and we are grateful for their commitment to MMA and particularly the UFC.
"Often we're so engrossed that it's easy to lose perspective outside of a particular sport. Yet this recognition is a strong reminder that a professional athlete of Georges' character and achievement can transcend a sport that is still commonly referenced to with adjectives such as 'fringe' or 'niche', and be embraced by the country he loves and strives to represent in the best possible manner."
With the achievement of being named Sportsnet's 2008 Canadian Athlete of the Year, St. Pierre will look to ride that to perhaps an even bigger 2009, which will start with his welterweight championship defence Super Bowl weekend against B.J. Penn, a fight that will also establish one of them as arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
lildshadow2 said January 03, 2009
Karla_UFC said January 07, 2009
michaelborne replied January 09, 2009
UFCfanforlife said January 09, 2009
specialKdog said January 14, 2009
Please kick the snot out of BJ Penn. He fights for all the WRONG reasons, he said is wants to fight to the death? He said he is going to kill you?? I understand hype and how a lot of stuff is said in order to make people believe to fighters hate eachother, but he had done some things in the ring that in my opinion are just plain animalistic. LIke licking blood from his opponent? This is a sport, not a gladiator ring, if it was, there are people so good with weapons, he would never stand a chance.
On the other side there is you GSP, you seem genuinly humble, yet confident. You fight to be the best you can be, for honor, maybe even for your dad...I don't know.
But just put this in your soul and let the fire of righteousness burn through your hands, feet, and every part of you and put this arrogant, hate filled man where he belongs...with his arms low in humility while yours are raised in victory! It would be WRONG for you not to win.
When you get tired, and you probably will, just remember it is WRONG for him to win, you must make it right. There will be many people willing you to win (along with you) so feel all our energy when you need it!
michaelborne said January 15, 2009
candice_554 said January 15, 2009
gspresponds replied January 16, 2009
Brprincess replied January 22, 2009
warpath1981 said January 17, 2009
FrancoisDeNice said January 17, 2009
Allez a plus!
stephane770 said January 19, 2009
Detruit le a la matt serra, il merite pire...
shadyone33 said January 20, 2009
Karla_UFC said January 22, 2009
GSP. GSP. GSP. I can hear it!!
femmefatale25 said January 22, 2009
dylangsp said January 22, 2009
daniella said May 23, 2009