New York: UFC legend Georges St-Pierre has strongly defended Islam Makhachev after the new welterweight champion faced criticism for his decision win at UFC 322, declaring that those questioning the performance “don’t know the art of fighting.”
Makhachev made history on November 15 at Madison Square Garden by defeating Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision to become a two-division UFC champion. The Russian’s tactical dominance impressed many in the MMA world — but some critics argued the fight should not have gone the distance.
St-Pierre, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, pushed back firmly against that narrative during an appearance on Adin Ross’ podcast.
“His performance was freaking brilliant” — GSP
“I was there. I witnessed his performance last Saturday. It was freaking brilliant. Unbelievable,” St-Pierre said.
“I don’t think he even took a punch. It’s unbelievable. A lot of people were like ‘oh, it was a decision.’ People who say that, I’m sorry, but they don’t know the art of fighting. They have no idea; they don’t understand the art of fighting.”
The MMA icon explained that the criticism ignores how demanding such a matchup truly was.
St-Pierre: Moving up in weight and beating the champion is extremely difficult
St-Pierre acknowledged that the fight didn’t produce a highlight-reel knockout or submission, but stressed that defeating a dangerous champion in a higher weight class is a major achievement.
“His performance was freaking amazing,” he added. “Yeah, it wasn’t a flawless victory with a crazy submission or a knockout, but going up in a weight class and beating Jack Della Maddalena like he did is freaking hard.”
Makhachev’s dominant win not only earned him welterweight gold but further strengthened his status as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters — and St-Pierre’s endorsement places him in elite company.
