Special thank you to Shari L Spencer

It’s 9 o’clock on Thursday night in Montreal, Canada, and Georges is still at the gym after just finishing a full day’s training in preparation for his interim UFC World Title Championship match against Matt Hughes. The bout was originally scheduled between the two Matts – Serra and Hughes, but Serra was a late scratching due to injury and St-Pierre gladly stepped in.

Previously, Georges had been traveling to Jackson’s Submission Fighting gym in Albuquerque for his training, however he is now back home in Quebec to prepare for his December 29 fight in what will be St-Pierre vs. Hughes III.

“I’m in Montreal because I have a short period of time to get ready, so it’s better for me, and by not traveling I have less chance of becoming sick,” says St-Pierre. “A lot of the people from Albuquerque have come up here to assist me, however I still train with many of the Montreal people as well.”

In his battle with Matt Serra at UFC 69: Shootout, it appeared Georges may have held back and fought that fight as the defending champion, rather than going in more aggressively as he usually does, and taking the fight to Serra.

“In that fight a lot of stuff happened that doesn’t normally happen to me, and it’s true I didn’t do what I normally do, but it’s no excuse – he got the better of me that night. I made mistakes and he beat me fair and squarely, but next time might be a different story.”

Georges, how do you think Matt Hughes would have gone against Matt Serra?

“I think Matt Hughes is a better fighter, but the better fighter doesn’t always win the fight: Most of the time it’s the guy who fights the better fight and comes more prepared that wins.”

Would you prefer to be fighting Matt Serra first to avenge your loss to him?

“Yeah, but now I am fighting Hughes so I am very happy to have the opportunity.”

Will this be an interim title fight with Matt Hughes?

“Yes.”

Were you happy with your bout against Josh Koscheck?

“Yes and no: Yes, because I won, but no, because I didn’t finish him.”

With PRIDE fighters now competing in the UFC, are there any PRIDE guys you think will be a threat to the welterweight title, or do you see it as mainly being between yourself and the two Matts?

“It’s not only the PRIDE fighters – a lot of other fighters are very good, so it’s going to be a tough competition.”

How do you think Chuck Liddell will go against Wanderlei Silva?

“I don’t know. I wouldn’t bet my house on that fight.”

You’ve already beaten great fighters such as Matt Hughes and BJ Penn… Can you improve much more as a fighter?

“Yes, and I will prove it in my upcoming fights – not just the next one.”

Matt Hughes was already preparing for the December 29 fight, and you’ve come in on short notice. Are you confident you’ll be ready?

“I was ready to fight the day they called me. I could fight him tomorrow. I’m in excellent shape. I was keeping myself in shape in case that scenario came about.”

Are there any advantages to getting the fight on later notice?

“Not at all, but I don’t see any disadvantages from my point of view.”

Are you still training with David Loiseau and Claude Young?

“Yes.”

Is there anything in particular that you’ll be working on for your match with Matt Hughes?

“No, I’m just working as normal. I’ll work on my game plan: things that he’ll try to do to me and things that I’ll try to do to him, but it’s like when you play cards - you don’t want to show your hand.”

After defeating Matt Hughes in your second fight, do you feel quite confident on the ground against him?

“I’m confident anywhere I think, no matter where the fight goes, but I do think I will be able to dictate the pace and fight where I want to fight.”

Will this be for five 5-minute rounds?

“Yes.”

Will it go the distance?

“Maybe, but if I have a chance to finish it, I will go for it.”

A young lady sent an email to knucklepit a while ago and wanted me to ask you the significance of your tattoos.

“I have two tattoos: one is for jiu jitsu and the other is the symbol for French Quebec.”

What movies have you seen?

“ ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘American Gangster’.”

Georges, is there anything you’d like to add?

“Thanks to my fans for all their support.”

Sponsors?

“Affliction.”