GSP’s Coach Says Nate Diaz Missed Opportunity by Not Calling Out Former Champ
By FCF Staff
Georges St-Pierre’s coach, Firas Zahabi, has repeatedly said he believes the former welterweight champ wants to compete once again, and he also believes Nate Diaz missed an opportunity to make that happen.
Since GSP announced he was taking a hiatus from fighting in 2013, speculation has continued, as to if and when the Canadian star will fight again. More recently there’s been plenty of talk about the possibility of St-Pierre returning for UFC 200 in July.
Recently Zahabi appeared on “The MMA Hour”, and he was of course, asked about GSP. The Tristar coach said that in his opinion, either Diaz and McGregor might have motivated GSP to return, provided they had called him out at UFC 196 (quote via MMA Mania.com):
“If McGregor had won, he’s just a guy that stirs the pot like nobody else,” Zahabi said. “It could have been crazy if he called out Georges, it could have been crazy if Nate called out Georges. Anything could have been motivating for Georges, I think it could have happened. Nothing happened.”
St-Pierre hasn’t fought now since November, 2013, when he worked his way to a split decision win over Johny Hendricks.
UFC 200 will take place on July 9th in Las Vegas. A rematch between McGregor and Diaz is expected to headline the card. Diaz won their March 5th bout via second round, submission.