MMAmania.com - Live stream UFC 158 'St. Pierre vs Diaz' results, recaps, videos and more onlineBest UFC website for news, UFC results, fight highlights and UFC schedule, including live streaming updates, breaking MMA news and much more!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49461/mania-f.png2018-05-23T19:03:55-04:00http://www.mmamania.com/rss/stream/38759552018-05-23T19:03:55-04:002018-05-23T19:03:55-04:00St-Pierre Admits to Poisoning Nick Diaz!
<figure>
<img alt="UFC 217: Bisping v St-Pierre" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/huQObPb6xdTIpg-iXTdoIiXIZco=/0x0:4808x3205/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59831227/870339334.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Rp8wkZ">Nick Diaz is known for<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/14/4104852/nick-diaz-accuses-dana-white-georges-st-pierre-selling-wolf-woof-tickets-ufc-158-mma"> saying</a> and <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2018/5/14/17353568/ufc-video-nick-diaz-squeezes-horrible-elbow-wound-mma">doing</a> some outlandish things. But his claim that he was <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2018/5/13/17350760/nick-diaz-thinks-he-was-poisoned-before-2013-fight-georges-st-pierre">poisoned prior to his UFC 158 Welterweight title fight</a> against former division champion Georges St-Pierre takes the cake. </p>
<p id="AM511d">“I think whoever tries to make that fight, I’m gonna have to give him a backhand slap,” Nick declared. “At the end of the day, I fought [St-Pierre], they poisoned my IV with some kind of weird ass drug. It put me to sleep!”</p>
<p id="hZgaOA">But was he really telling the truth? </p>
<p id="7u2SY2">During a recent appearance on the <a href="http://podcasts.joerogan.net/">Joe Rogan experience podcast</a>, St-Pierre made a bold confession that he did indeed poison the Stockton slugger to ease his fears for what was sure-to-be a tough challenge. He also enlisted the services of his <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2013/6/11/4419438/top-ufo-investigator-defends-george-st-pierre-fear-of-aliens-lost-time-mma">alien friends</a>. </p>
<div id="xnTmFz">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GSP admits to poisoning Nick Diaz <a href="https://t.co/PmbKwDKlTQ">pic.twitter.com/PmbKwDKlTQ</a></p>— Fancy Combat (@FancyCombat) <a href="https://twitter.com/FancyCombat/status/999385962420588545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<blockquote><p id="5uEc3C">“I got to confess. I was so scared during this fight, so we tried to poison since I was so scared of fighting Nick Diaz so we poisoned his IV. But he survived so I was even more terrified. All of the athletic commission was on my payroll so they tripped away and then I made it. It went through so I was even more terrified. So then an alien abducted me and they put the gamma ray to increase my strength like The Hulk, like performance enhancing drug and the fight was still happening. So right before that, I put some glass and cement in my gloves and I still a crazy hard fight.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="bEYs9P">Georges with the jokes. </p>
<p id="UoXAqd">Aside from the “poison” theory, the Diaz camp felt the athletic commission looked the other way when St-Pierre — their hometown hero — <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/28/4156268/georges-st-pierre-camp-gsp-made-weight-shorts-nick-diaz-mma">actually missed weight</a> for the title fight. </p>
<aside id="Lm3e7w"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data="{"stories":[{"title":"Quebec Commission: 'We don't count the decimal'","url":"https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4148918/quebec-athletic-commission-ufc-158-weigh-in-st-pierre-diaz-decimal-mma"}]}"></div></aside><p id="N8VpL4">On a more serious note, Georges was <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2018/5/10/17339254/unaware-coaches-georges-st-pierre-taken-by-surprise-nate-diaz-rumors-mma">recently linked</a> to a potential comeback fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 227 on Aug. 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. But that potential blockbuster scrap was axed since Nate isn’t in the business of facing <a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2018/5/11/17346678/nate-diaz-calls-gsp-a-cheater-says-ufc-is-selling-you-wolf-tickets-mma">“cheaters.”</a></p>
<p id="8HZDyt"><a href="https://www.mmamania.com/2009/03/17/grease-gate-update-nsac-to-review-ufc-94-main-event-controversy-today">Is normal? </a></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2018/5/23/17387026/georges-st-pierre-confession-poisoning-nick-diaz-bribing-athletic-commission-ufc-158-montrealAdam Guillen2015-10-13T22:07:06-04:002015-10-13T22:07:06-04:00GSP Willing To Help Diaz ... On One Condition
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cfQGRFHRSaCHuwMQQ1MPUNgrsY4=/0x0:730x487/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47414530/045_georges_st-pierre_and_nick_diaz.0.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Esther Lin/MMA Fighting</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>"Rush" to the rescue!</p> <p>Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) is having trouble finding anyone siding with its decision to suspend Nick Diaz for a five-year period after failing his UFC 183 drug test for marijuana.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2015/9/14/9325745/nick-diaz-fined-165000-suspended-five-years-by-nsac-for-ufc-183-positive-drug-mma">Full details here.</a></p>
<p>Joining the <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2015/10/11/9496375/ufc-chael-sonnen-were-owed-an-explanation-for-nick-diaz-lifetime-ban-mma">long list of members</a> of the mixed martial arts (MMA) community who have voiced their displeasure at the suspension is none other than former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre.</p>
<p>"Rush" recently told <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rds.ca/combat/ufc/on-sait-tous-lire-entre-les-lignes-1.2634802" data-ref-index="11">Quebec's RDS network</a> that he believes the NSAC simply wanted to make an example of Diaz to prove it would no longer take failed drug tests lightly. Still, St-Pierre finds the five-year penalty a bit harsh when compared to <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2015/8/13/9148777/anderson-silva-suspended-one-year-heavily-fined-by-nsac-for-ufc-183-positive-drug-test-mma">other sentences</a>.</p>
<p>His words (via <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/10/13/9521933/georges-st-pierre-sounds-off-on-nick-diazs-five-year-suspension">MMA Fighting</a>):</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"Personally, I think five years is too much. Especially when you think about Anderson Silva and other guys who were doping and received a lighter suspension compared to [Diaz]. I think they wanted to make an example out of him to send a message because he's a colorful character who talks a lot and makes a lot of noise. They wanted to make an example out of him like they did in the Olympics with Marion Jones, for example. Unfortunately, it fell on him, but I think everyone is entitled to a second chance."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Or a <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2011/3/27/2075119/history-in-the-making-nick-diaz-busts-out-a-submission-of-the-year">third</a> ... or <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/5/21/3034902/nick-diaz-suspended-12-months-failed-drug-test-ufc-143-carlos-condit-fight-fine-30-percent">fourth.</a></p>
<p>Despite their <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/7/4076236/full-audio-insane-ufc-158-media-conference-call-georges-st-pierre-nick-diaz-mma">rocky history</a>, St-Pierre holds no ill will toward Diaz, declaring that if he can somehow lend a helping hand in his fight against the NSAC, he'll gladly do it.</p>
<p>On one condition:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"Nick is a very charismatic guy. A lot of people talk about him. But, he isn't someone I hate. I hold no ill will toward him. Several things were said before our fight, but it was purely from a sporting perspective. I didn't take any of it personally. We need a guy like him in this sport and I hope he will return soon. If I can help him in one or another, without embarrassing me, it would be a pleasure for me to do. I like him a lot and I wish him all the best."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>St-Pierre can start by putting his John Hancock <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2015/10/13/9520495/nick-diaz-petition-expires-this-friday-and-remains-17k-short-of-white-house-goal-mma">right here</a>.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2015/10/13/9524861/ufc-georges-st-pierre-offers-charismatic-nick-diaz-nsac-support-suspension-mmaAdam Guillen2013-04-11T19:08:30-04:002013-04-11T19:08:30-04:00Weight Gate: St. Pierre Thinks He Was 170.4 Pounds
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OLbrwcjZgOLP9n1wqQ_0CiiE05E=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11371579/20130316_ajw_bb5_574.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Georges St. Pierre, technically by his own admission, did not make weight for his UFC 158 title fight against Nick Diaz at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, which took place on March 16, 2013. However, "Rush" was well within the seemingly last-minute, undocumented rules of the Quebec Athletic Commission.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight">Welterweight</a> Champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre">Georges St. Pierre</a> was apparently just as surprised as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122575/nick-diaz">Nick Diaz</a>, along with his Stockton, Calif., entourage, to learn moments before the official <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/116563/ufc-158-st-pierre-vs-diaz">UFC 158</a> weigh in that the Quebec Athletic Commission would "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4148918/quebec-athletic-commission-ufc-158-weigh-in-st-pierre-diaz-decimal-mma">not count the decimal</a>."</p>
<p>"They came to us just before weighing and even I was surprised," St. Pierre is quote as saying via loose Google Translation from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lapresse.ca/sports/sports-de-combat/201304/11/01-4639967-gsp-a-bel-et-bien-depasse-la-limite-de-poids-mais-sans-tricher.php">LaPresse.ca</a>. "They told us they were going round [to nearest whole number]."</p>
<p>It's a seemingly insignificant detail that under normal circumstances more than likely would have never even been a remote after thought much less a growing conspiracy theory; however, what went down inside the Bell Centre on March 15, 2013, was far from normal.</p>
<p>"<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4148918/quebec-athletic-commission-ufc-158-weigh-in-st-pierre-diaz-decimal-mma">Weight Gate</a>," and the ensuing "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/28/4159106/weight-gate-nick-diaz-attorney-private-text-messages-michael-mersh-decimals-ufc-158">Decimal Cover Up</a>," dominated the mixed martial arts (MMA) headlines weeks after St. Pierre dominated Diaz for five rounds in the UFC 158 main event to earn a clear-cut unanimous decision win. And while UFC and the Quebec Athletic Commission seemingly couldn't get on the same page in regard to a coordinated response and/or explanation, Diaz's lawyer, Jonathan Tweedale, was beating them to the punch on valid technicalities.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4151038/nick-diaz-lawyer-weigh-in-loophole-drug-test-irregularities-georges-st-pierre-rematch-montreal" target="new">Like this one</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The Quebec Commission’s statement is a disappointing admission that the March 16 event was not conducted under the rules applicable to a UFC title fight – or under the rules the fighters contractually agreed to, upon which rules Mr. Diaz was entitled to rely under his bout agreement. Section 168 of the Regulation respecting combat sports provides that the maximum weight that a fighter must achieve at the official weigh-in shall be determined in advance by contract – and if the fighter does not make the contracted weight – in this case 170 pounds – then 20% of his purse or "the contestant’s remuneration" will be deducted and paid to his opponent (subsections (7) and (8)). The contracted weight for this fight was 170 pounds. 170.9 is not 170, anywhere in the world, for a title fight. There is no question what '170 pounds' means, in the bout agreement, as a matter of contractual interpretation."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>St. Pierre -- who has never missed weight throughout his illustrious, and extensive, UFC career -- now admits the he believes he tipped the scales at 170.4 pounds (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/28/4156268/georges-st-pierre-camp-gsp-made-weight-shorts-nick-diaz-mma">with shorts on!</a>), while Diaz came in at 169 pounds and change.</p>
<p>Could St. Pierre have made 170 pounds on the button (or less) if he were not informed, like Diaz, about the "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/24/4135578/canadian-loophole-video-nick-diaz-georges-st-pierre-ufc-158-weigh-in-mma">off the record</a>" type of decimal thing? Most likely, but, we'll never know for certain.</p>
<p>What we do know for certain is that St. Pierre, and he is likely not alone by a long shot, prefers to come as close to the threshold as he is permitted. And he used every ounce allowed.</p>
<p>"The goal is to be 170 rather than 169, to be as close as possible to the limit while the weight," he continued. "It is a mental thing."</p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix">
<div class="clearfix" id="partner-module">
<h2>Latest From Our Partners</h2>
<a name="partner-image" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" id="partner-image" target="new"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2314131/gsp12_medium.jpg" alt="Latest From Our Partners"></a>
<div id="link-list">
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" title="GSP's Top 10 Fights(BR)" target="new">GSP's Top 10 Fights (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562862-ranking-the-best-fight-from-every-ufc-of-2013-so-far" title="Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)" target="new">Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1565129-just-coast-and-4-other-pieces-of-bad-advice-offered-to-mma-fighters" title="Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)" target="new">Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562787-mma-12-apps-every-mma-fight-fan-needs-to-own" title="Top Apps for Every MMA Fan (BR)" target="new">Top Apps Every MMA Fan Needs to Own (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1557322-ranking-the-worst-chins-in-the-ufc-today" title="Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)" target="new">Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1563082-10-mma-fighters-poised-to-make-comebacks-in-2013" title="MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks" target="new">MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562955-5-fights-for-forrest-griffin-to-take-upon-his-return" title="Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return" target="new">Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return (BR)</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/4/11/4214622/surprised-georges-st-pierre-170-4-official-weigh-in-figure-nick-diaz-montreal-mmaThomas Myers2013-03-28T23:15:52-04:002013-03-28T23:15:52-04:00Diaz Attorney Drops 'Weight Gate' Text Bombshell
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mGYyBYAxEvToIMtcxsoQ5_tSx8o=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10598427/20130316_ajw_bb5_533.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Decimal? What decimal? "I don't know what you are talking about!"</p> <p>Mixed martial arts (MMA) mole hills are getting molded into massive mountains in record time thanks in large part to Jonathan Tweedale, legal counsel for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122575/nick-diaz">Nick Diaz</a>.</p>
<p>By now, most fight fans should be well aware of "<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4148918/quebec-athletic-commission-ufc-158-weigh-in-st-pierre-diaz-decimal-mma" target="_blank">Weight Gate</a>," a bizarre situation that revealed an <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) official, Mike Mersh, relaying a message to Diaz from the Quebec Athletic Commission that he was permitted to weigh up to 170.9 pounds for his <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight">Welterweight</a> title fight against division champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre">Georges St. Pierre</a>.</p>
<p>Mersh, who was unknowingly videotaped by a member of the Stockton, Calif.,-based fighter's entourage, described it as an "off the record type of thing." The timing, <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4151038/nick-diaz-lawyer-weigh-in-loophole-drug-test-irregularities-georges-st-pierre-rematch-montreal" target="_blank">and circumstances</a>, that surrounded Mersh's eleventh-hour communique flew in the face of the Canadian province's combat sports rules on record, which Tweedale highlighted in a statement last night (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4151038/nick-diaz-lawyer-weigh-in-loophole-drug-test-irregularities-georges-st-pierre-rematch-montreal" target="_blank">read it here</a>).</p>
<p>It was pretty clear that a mistake was made; however, rather than owning up to it, now it appears that Mersh and the commission are seemingly working in concert, pretending that no rules were broken, bent or overlooked at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, on March 15, 2013.</p>
<p>And Tweedale, who tonight released correspondence between counsel via text message (<a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/3/28/4158616/ufc-158-nick-diaz-lawyer-texts-decimal-controversy" target="_blank">via BloodyElbow.com</a>), continues to ratchet up the "decimal" impropriety.</p>
<p>Check out these text exchanges that took place shortly after the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/116563/ufc-158-st-pierre-vs-diaz">UFC 158</a> weigh in (JDT = Tweedale, Diaz's attorney and MM = Mersh, UFC Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>JDT: "Hi Mike. Nick is curious about the .9 pound allowance at today's weigh-in for his championship bout. He doesn't want to be a nuisance about this, but he's a bit confused. Can you shed any light?"</p>
<p>MM: "I don't know what you're talking about. All parties weighed in appropriately according [to] the Quebec Commission."</p>
<p>JDT: "Of course. You're right, and he knows that. He just wanted to know why the Quebec Commission was okay with a 0.9 pound weight allowance for a championship fight. Nick's not going to make an issue of it, but it's been gnawing at him since it was explained to him at the weigh-ins, on an "off the record" basis or otherwise. I just want him to stop thinking about it, and thought you could provide some insight."</p>
<p>MM: "I have been told everyone made weight so there's nothing to make an issue about. He might want to focus on how he's going to win the fight rather than spending the night making excuses about why he lost."</p>
<p>JDT: "C'mon Mike you're just going to stonewall on this issue? We're reaching out in a discreet manner, as appropriate in the circumstances. Meet us half-way."</p>
<p>MM: "Huh? The Commission determined both fighters weighed 170 or less. What am I supposed to do about that? I would think Nick would be excited to compete for the UFC Welterweighttitle. Seems like he's focused on the wrong issue."</p>
<p>JDT: "No one wants you to *do* anything. If the answer is simply "the Quebec Commission permits a promoter to request that .9 pounds be rounded down in a championship fight (unlike, e.g., the Washington commission for Nate's fight), and Zuffa made that request here", then pls confirm. Far better to reach out this way than the uncooperative Twitter/media way."</p>
<p>MM: "How would I know what the Quebec Commission does? I was informed everyone made weight like everyone else at the weigh in. Zuffa made no requests for anything from the Quebec Commission. Good luck to Nick with the fight."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Oi.</p>
<p>Chances are that at the time this conversation took place, Mersh had no idea that there was video-taped evidence to the contrary being uploaded to YouTube.com, which his department later had removed under the shaky auspices of copyright infringement (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/24/4135578/canadian-loophole-video-nick-diaz-georges-st-pierre-ufc-158-weigh-in-mma" target="_blank">you can still watch it here</a>).</p>
<p>Open mouth, insert foot, overreact.</p>
<p>Here's the deal: The decimal issue alone, while concerning, was insignificant. St. Pierre went on to dominate Diaz in the UFC 158 main event the next night <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/20/4129856/report-georges-st-pierre-injured-achilles-tendon-sick-nick-diaz-ufc-158-montreal-mma" target="_blank">even though he was sick and injured</a>, cruising to a unanimous decision that demonstrated he is far and away a much more superior fighter than Diaz even on possibly his worst night.</p>
<p>However, everything that has trickled out since continues to cast a long, dark shadow over the commission and now a high-ranking UFC attorney, who apparently shared misinformation (for whatever reason), pretended he was clueless when confronted about his very real, recorded statements (he was clearly not being truthful with Tweedale via text) and then seemingly stretched the laws of infringement in an effort to erase the compromising footage from public record.</p>
<p>I think it's fair to say that Diaz is an annoyingly talented liability for the UFC. He's the pot-smoking, paranoid, <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/14/4104852/nick-diaz-accuses-dana-white-georges-st-pierre-selling-wolf-woof-tickets-ufc-158-mma" target="_blank">against-all-odds boy who cried wolf tickets</a>. One who, despite all the headaches, <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/27/4153898/report-ufc-158-ppv-buys-top-1-million-st-pierre-vs-diaz-mma" target="_blank">managed to help UFC 158 top one million pay-per-view (PPV) buys after the chaotic dust settled</a>. However, I'm speculating here, but those headaches (not unintended box office success) are probably the reason Mersh responded to his legal contemporary, Tweedale, in the manner in which he did.</p>
<p>In other words, Mr. Tweedale your client is a pain in the ass <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/2/7/3964538/johny-hendricks-calls-georges-st-pierre-idiot-thinking-nick-diaz-deserves-mma-ufc" target="_blank">who is lucky to be in the position he is in</a>, how dare you continue to pepper us with nonsense ... just be thankful and win. <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/2/17/3998292/nick-diaz-no-showed-three-ufc-countdown-shows-mma" target="_blank">Enough is enough</a>!</p>
<p>If that't truly the case it's easy to understand. And he's probably right to think that after everything that Diaz has put the company though over the last year, complaining (more) -- especially over DECIMALS -- is viewed as nothing more than Diaz just being Diaz.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Diaz didn't do this to the UFC nor the commission, both of which need to put their heads together, which might not be the first time, and issue a more coordinated, honest and detailed statement that explains their bungling of the decimal issue.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4151038/nick-diaz-lawyer-weigh-in-loophole-drug-test-irregularities-georges-st-pierre-rematch-montreal" target="_blank">Diaz doesn't deserve a rematch against St. Pierre</a>. However, at this stage, he does deserve an honest answer about "Weight Gate" and the chain of communication that now appears to be broken and disingenuous at best. Anything less would be a black eye on the sport ... even if we're just splitting decimals and dealing with Diaz.</p>
<p>Diaz!</p>
<p>It has snowballed into an alarming issue that has now become way bigger than .9 (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/28/4156268/georges-st-pierre-camp-gsp-made-weight-shorts-nick-diaz-mma" target="_blank">with shorts on</a>). And it shows no signs of losing chilly, shady layers unless Mersh, the UFC and the Quebec Athletic Commission do something soon to set the record as straight as they possibly can at this late, and unfortunate, stage.</p>
<p>Honesty is the best policy.</p>
<p><i>Be sure to head over to BloodyElbow.com to check out more of the text exchange between Tweedale and Mersh, as well as Tweedale and Michel Hamelin, director of the Quebec commission -- Regie des Alcools des Courses et des Jeux (RACJ) -- right </i><a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/3/28/4158616/ufc-158-nick-diaz-lawyer-texts-decimal-controversy" target="_blank">here</a><i>.</i></p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix">
<div class="clearfix" id="partner-module">
<h2>Latest From Our Partners</h2>
<a name="partner-image" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" id="partner-image" target="new"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2314131/gsp12_medium.jpg" alt="Latest From Our Partners"></a>
<div id="link-list">
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" title="GSP's Top 10 Fights(BR)" target="new">GSP's Top 10 Fights (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562862-ranking-the-best-fight-from-every-ufc-of-2013-so-far" title="Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)" target="new">Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1565129-just-coast-and-4-other-pieces-of-bad-advice-offered-to-mma-fighters" title="Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)" target="new">Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562787-mma-12-apps-every-mma-fight-fan-needs-to-own" title="Top Apps for Every MMA Fan (BR)" target="new">Top Apps Every MMA Fan Needs to Own (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1557322-ranking-the-worst-chins-in-the-ufc-today" title="Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)" target="new">Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1563082-10-mma-fighters-poised-to-make-comebacks-in-2013" title="MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks" target="new">MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562955-5-fights-for-forrest-griffin-to-take-upon-his-return" title="Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return" target="new">Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return (BR)</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/28/4159106/weight-gate-nick-diaz-attorney-private-text-messages-michael-mersh-decimals-ufc-158Thomas Myers2013-03-27T18:00:43-04:002013-03-27T18:00:43-04:00GSP Finally Admits Hendricks Is No. 1 Contender
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9aGYst7vOmuquWlErGFGOj6wT8g=/0x159:4000x2826/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10523699/20130315_jla_bb5_382.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre has made a 180-degree shift in regard to his opinion on Johny Hendricks deserving a title shot following "Bigg Rigg's" recent victory over Carlos Condit at UFC 158. See what he had to say to the current 170-pound No. 1 contender below. </p> <p>Thankfully <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre" class="sbn-auto-link">Georges St. Pierre</a> has changed his tune on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/127154/johny-hendricks" class="sbn-auto-link">Johny Hendricks</a>.</p>
<p>"Rush" caught some flack earlier this year when he claimed the former two-time NCAA Division I champion wrestler was <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/1/23/1496320/georges-st-pierre-johny-hendricks-nick-diaz-josh-koscheck-ufc-158-mma">not the legitimate number one contender</a> because he felt Hendricks was awarded a lucky decision win against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122582/josh-koscheck" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Koscheck</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/95241/ufc-on-fox-3" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC on Fox 3</a> in 2012.</p>
<p>That opinion didn't sit well with the Team Takedown-trained fighter, <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/2/7/3964538/johny-hendricks-calls-georges-st-pierre-idiot-thinking-nick-diaz-deserves-mma-ufc">who called St. Pierre "an idiot"</a> for his use of logic to determine who deserves a shot at the belt.</p>
<p>But oh, how a victory over a former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) interim titlist can alter an opinion in 15 minutes or less. Hendricks scored perhaps the biggest victory of his career earlier this month with a unanimous decision win over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122573/carlos-condit" class="sbn-auto-link">Carlos Condit</a> in the co-main event of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/116563/ufc-158-st-pierre-vs-diaz">UFC 158</a> to score his sixth straight victory and his fourth over a Top 5-ranked opponent.</p>
<p>Afterward, he <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWEIkzJVm6Q">told MMA Digest</a> that the champion finally gave him the credit he deserved when they briefly spoke at the post-fight press conference.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"He just said 'you earned this spot to challenge me by beating Carlos Condit' and that's what I wanted. That's all I wanted was a shot at him. It's not even so much of that, I just want a shot at the belt. That's really what I've been training for and trying to get to and he's just the guy that holds it and the guy that's held it for 3-4 years now."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Hendricks has defeated the likes of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122576/jon-fitch" class="sbn-auto-link">Jon Fitch</a>, Josh Koscheck, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122581/martin-kampmann" class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Kampmann</a> and now Condit during his impressive run through UFC's welterweight division and is hoping for a title shot in August or September later this year.</p>
<p>Thankfully, St. Pierre's <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/27/4152454/georges-st-pierre-resumes-training-achilles-injury-ufc-158-mma">Achilles injury wasn't nearly as severe as original concerns</a> projected, but "Bigg Rigg" might have to wait out the <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/25/4146804/batroc-the-leaper-georges-st-pierre-role-captain-america-winter-soldier-mma">champion's recent Captain America movie role</a> before beginning his pre-fight training camp.</p>
<p>What do you make of GSP finally giving Hendricks the credit he deserves?</p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix">
<div class="clearfix" id="partner-module">
<h2>Latest From Our Partners</h2>
<a name="partner-image" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" id="partner-image" target="new"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2314131/gsp12_medium.jpg" alt="Latest From Our Partners"></a>
<div id="link-list">
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" title="GSP's Top 10 Fights(BR)" target="new">GSP's Top 10 Fights (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562862-ranking-the-best-fight-from-every-ufc-of-2013-so-far" title="Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)" target="new">Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1565129-just-coast-and-4-other-pieces-of-bad-advice-offered-to-mma-fighters" title="Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)" target="new">Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562787-mma-12-apps-every-mma-fight-fan-needs-to-own" title="Top Apps for Every MMA Fan (BR)" target="new">Top Apps Every MMA Fan Needs to Own (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1557322-ranking-the-worst-chins-in-the-ufc-today" title="Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)" target="new">Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1563082-10-mma-fighters-poised-to-make-comebacks-in-2013" title="MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks" target="new">MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562955-5-fights-for-forrest-griffin-to-take-upon-his-return" title="Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return" target="new">Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return (BR)</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/27/4154162/georges-st-pierre-congratulates-johny-hendricks-after-ufc-158-winBrian Hemminger2013-03-26T21:37:57-04:002013-03-26T21:37:57-04:00Diaz Lawyer Makes Bold Claims, Wants GSP Rematch
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9zYrfIjVoOWwv28WG2KwRjynv2Q=/0x199:4000x2866/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10474665/20130315_jla_bb5_379.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It's safe to assume that "Weight Gate" will officially eclipse "Grease Gate" as George St. Pierre's most controversial mixed martial arts (MMA) performance of all-time, with Nick Diaz's attorney using a few decimals to suggest that a broader Canadian fix was in at UFC 158.</p> <p>If at first you get dominated for five straight rounds in a mixed martial arts (MMA) prize fight, hit up your lawyer to continue the battle outside the cage to help make up for the disappointing performance.</p>
<p>That's apparently the route that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122575/nick-diaz" class="sbn-auto-link">Nick Diaz</a> intends to take in the wake of "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4148918/quebec-athletic-commission-ufc-158-weigh-in-st-pierre-diaz-decimal-mma">Weight Gate</a>," whose legal counsel, Jonathan Tweedale, today issued a lengthy statement (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/436461/Nick-Diazs-camp-to-file-complaint-over-GSPs-UFC-158-drug-test/">via MMA.tv</a>) that -- for all intents and purposes -- pokes serious holes in the weak response (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4148918/quebec-athletic-commission-ufc-158-weigh-in-st-pierre-diaz-decimal-mma">read it here</a>) that the Quebec Athletic Commission provided in regard to its curious decimal drama.</p>
<p>In short, prior to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/116563/ufc-158-st-pierre-vs-diaz" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 158</a>, which took place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on March 16, 2013, a UFC official, speaking on behalf of the commission, was videotaped, most likely without his knowledge, informing Diaz moments before he was scheduled to step on the scale about an "off the record type of thing" wherein he could weigh up to 170.9 pounds for his <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight" class="sbn-auto-link">Welterweight</a> title fight against division champion <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre" class="sbn-auto-link">Georges St. Pierre</a>.</p>
<p>Oddly, him and St. Pierre -- and only Diaz and St. Pierre -- would also be afforded an extra hour if needed to get below 171 pounds if either one of them came in heavy.</p>
<p>It was an odd conversation (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/24/4135578/canadian-loophole-video-nick-diaz-georges-st-pierre-ufc-158-weigh-in-mma">watch it here</a>), which made it appear that perhaps the commission was anticipating St. Pierre -- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/20/4129856/report-georges-st-pierre-injured-achilles-tendon-sick-nick-diaz-ufc-158-montreal-mma">who we learned later was sick and injured heading into the main event</a> -- would struggle to hit 170 pound threshold on the button. Aside from the video, no other evidence suggests that the commission was bending the rules for its hometown MMA hero; in fact, previous UFC weigh in events under its authority never included "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4148918/quebec-athletic-commission-ufc-158-weigh-in-st-pierre-diaz-decimal-mma">the decimal</a>."</p>
<p>Regardless, Tweedale shredded the commission's response in a lengthy statement, suggesting that the rules were manipulated in favor of the hometown fighter:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">"The Quebec Commission’s statement is a disappointing admission that the March 16 event was not conducted under the rules applicable to a UFC title fight – or under the rules the fighters contractually agreed to, upon which rules Mr. Diaz was entitled to rely under his bout agreement. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Section 168 of the Regulation respecting combat sports provides that the maximum weight that a fighter must achieve at the official weigh-in shall be determined in advance by contract – and if the fighter does not make the contracted weight – in this case 170 pounds – then 20% of his purse or "the contestant’s remuneration" will be deducted and paid to his opponent (subsections (7) and (8)). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The contracted weight for this fight was 170 pounds. 170.9 is not 170, anywhere in the world, for a title fight. There is no question what "170 pounds" means, in the bout agreement, as a matter of contractual interpretation. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Quebec Commission deliberately relaxed the rule in this case and, by its own admission, allowed their home-town fighter to "make weight" even if he weighed more than the contracted weight. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Commission’s statement that their Regulation "does not take decimals into account" is bizarre and untrue. Section 74 of the Regulation provides that at an official weigh-in, "[t]he scale shall have graduated readings at each 100 g (3.6 oz) and shall be certified by Measurement Canada." There would be no need to have graduated readings at each 100 g if the Commission "does not take decimals into account."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's not a stretch to believe that the official, for whatever reason, made a serious error in judgement informing Diaz in the manner in which he did, seemingly waiting until the very last minute to reveal an otherwise insignificant technicality.</p>
<p>Tweedale's by-the-book argument is spot on.</p>
<p>However, would one pound have made a difference in the fight between <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/2751/ufc-158-georges-st-pierre-vs-nick-diaz" class="sbn-auto-link">Georges St. Pierre vs. Nick Diaz</a>? Not at all. In fact, Diaz could have weighed 10 more pounds than "Rush" and probably would have achieved a similar result. He was simply outclassed by the French-Canadian on perhaps his worst night in a half-decade.</p>
<p>The video alone probably would have been enough to stoke controversy because, well, it rightfully did. However, Diaz and his legal eagle took it one step further with the statement, which also included bold claims of drug test rigging, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/14/4105456/nick-diaz-accuses-ufc-champ-georges-st-pierre-steroids-ufc-158-montreal-mma">one that Diaz himself floated shortly after the UFC 158 press conference</a>.</p>
<p>And if that wasn't far enough, Tweedale called for an immediate rematch at 170 pounds or requested that St. Pierre vacate his coveted strap.</p>
<p>His closing:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Further serious irregularities including, inter alia, the Quebec Commission's failure to supervise fighters' provision of samples in connection with testing for Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods (under sections 71.1 to 71.6 of the Regulation), will be set out in an official complaint that will be filed imminently.</p>
<p>In the circumstances, Mr. St-Pierre remains legally and ethically obligated to fight Mr. Diaz at 170 pounds or else vacate the belt in favor of those prepared to fight at welterweight."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Perhaps Tweedale is intelligently packing his client a parachute, chumming the waters of impropriety and gross negligence in the event that Diaz fails his post-fight drug test, one that he didn't think he'd be asked to take nor did he seem overly concerned about passing with flying colors despite his checkered past with marijuana (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/14/4104488/nick-diaz-ufc-158-drug-test-dana-white-cut-him-mma">read more here</a>). If the commission bungled the weigh in and then made "serious" mistakes with the supervision of drug tests, then his client should not be punished if his urine returns positive.</p>
<p>Theoretically speaking, of course.</p>
<p>Indeed, that's pure speculation, but a possibility. There is always the distant possibility that the athletic commission tipped the scales in St. Pierre's favor, quite literally, to improve his chances of winning. Regardless of the actual intentions, if any, one thing that most can agree on is that the commission made a serious blunder, right, wrong or indifferent.</p>
<p>However, the fact remains that it all boils down to decimal points. And Diaz needed a baseball bat to stop St. Pierre at UFC 158. Everything else <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/14/4104542/nick-diaz-explains-no-show-workout-press-conference-needed-sleep-ufc-158-mma">before</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://mmamania.com/2013/3/20/4123686/ufc-158-georges-st-pierre-trainer-hand-wrap-controversy-nick-diaz-mma">during</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/18/4120752/ufc-158-spy-cesar-gracie-hints-possible-in-camp-betrayal-georges-st-pierre-nick-diaz">after</a> the outcome just reeks of paranoia, desperation and immaturity.</p>
<p>But worth a shot, eh?</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/26/4151038/nick-diaz-lawyer-weigh-in-loophole-drug-test-irregularities-georges-st-pierre-rematch-montrealThomas Myers2013-03-25T17:05:03-04:002013-03-25T17:05:03-04:00GSP apologizes for controversial UFC 158 logo
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CE8IPHE1OBPIkfdunTM1n9YCJDk=/0x0:728x485/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10404009/101_georges_st-pierre_vs_nick_diaz_gallery_post.0_standard_709.0.0.0_standard_730.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Esther Lin via MMA Fighting</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Neither Georges St. Pierre nor Hayabusa expected any controversy when he tried to give credit to his martial arts roots last week during his UFC 158 walkout, but both parties have now publicly responded to the negative publicity concerning GSP's gi logo. Get all the details below. </p> <p>When <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc" class="sbn-auto-link">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) featherweight contender <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122481/chan-sung-jung" class="sbn-auto-link">Chan Sung Jung</a> compared UFC <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight" class="sbn-auto-link">Welterweight</a> Champion <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/24/4142034/korean-zombie-georges-st-pierres-ufc-158-japanese-rising-sun-flag-gi-nazi">Georges St. Pierre's use of Japan's "Rising Sun" logo on his walkout gi to Nazi Germany</a>, it came as no surprise that the company who sponsored GSP would be forced to respond.</p>
<p>Hayabusa <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HayabusaMMA/posts/544417908935731">posted a statement earlier today on its Facebook page</a>, apologizing for the slight and promising not to promote the graphic.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Since Georges St-Pierre wore our walkout gi at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/116563/ufc-158-st-pierre-vs-diaz" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 158</a> we have received attention surrounding the negative connotation of the rising sun graphic used. The last thing we want is to offend or alienate anyone with the choice of design on our products.</i></p>
<p><i>We at Hayabusa have the utmost respect for culture and history and appreciate all of our customers worldwide. As such, we accept full responsibility for this design and are taking all complaints and comments very seriously.</i></p>
<p><i>The gi worn by GSP will not be brought to market. In addition, we will be very conscious of this specific design element when developing future communication materials and products.</i></p>
<p><i>Please accept our sincerest apology for any offence this has caused. If you have any questions or comments regarding this matter, please feel free to discuss it with us at customerservice@hayabusafightwear.com. One of our representatives will be happy to assist you.</i></p>
<p><i>Sincerely,</i></p>
<p><i>Craig Clement<br>Co-President <br>Hayabusa Fightwear Inc.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Even St. Pierre himself (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/7/4076564/ufc-158-nick-diaz-rips-pampered-georges-st-pierre-media-call-quote-canada-mma">or one of his pamperers</a>) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/georgesstpierre/posts/461681863900223">posted a statement on Facebook</a>, admitting that it was never his intention to offend anyone.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>I'd like to also personally apologize to anyone who was offended by this. I am very sorry, that was never my intention.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Hopefully, this puts the controversy to bed. It seems that both offending parties came by the mistake honestly and have done the right things to rectify the situation.</p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix">
<div class="clearfix" id="partner-module">
<h2>Latest From Our Partners</h2>
<a name="partner-image" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" id="partner-image" target="new"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2314131/gsp12_medium.jpg" alt="Latest From Our Partners"></a>
<div id="link-list">
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" title="GSP's Top 10 Fights(BR)" target="new">GSP's Top 10 Fights (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562862-ranking-the-best-fight-from-every-ufc-of-2013-so-far" title="Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)" target="new">Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1565129-just-coast-and-4-other-pieces-of-bad-advice-offered-to-mma-fighters" title="Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)" target="new">Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562787-mma-12-apps-every-mma-fight-fan-needs-to-own" title="Top Apps for Every MMA Fan (BR)" target="new">Top Apps Every MMA Fan Needs to Own (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1557322-ranking-the-worst-chins-in-the-ufc-today" title="Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)" target="new">Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1563082-10-mma-fighters-poised-to-make-comebacks-in-2013" title="MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks" target="new">MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562955-5-fights-for-forrest-griffin-to-take-upon-his-return" title="Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return" target="new">Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return (BR)</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/25/4146290/hayabusa-responds-to-rising-sun-gi-controversy-ufc-158s-georges-stBrian Hemminger2013-03-24T15:00:04-04:002013-03-24T15:00:04-04:00Korean Zombie: St. Pierre's UFC 158 Gi Nazi-Like
<figure>
<img alt="Georges St. Pierre walks out in his Hayabusa "Rising Sun" Gi, a symbol which is considered offensive to many Koreans." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Kchgj9-0yHvr6CLH6Wd6DrsViB4=/0x0:900x600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10336435/101_georges_st-pierre_vs_nick_diaz_gallery_post.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Georges St. Pierre walks out in his Hayabusa "Rising Sun" Gi, a symbol which is considered offensive to many Koreans. | Esther Lin for MMA FIghting</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Chan Sung Jung was "shocked" to see UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre make his way to the Octagon for his UFC 158 bout against Nick Diaz wearing a Hayabusa-sponsored gi that featured the Japanese "Rising Sun" symbol, which is a symbol that many Koreans deem offensive and disrespectful.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight">Welterweight</a> Champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre">Georges St. Pierre</a> earned an impressive victory over <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/7/4076236/full-audio-insane-ufc-158-media-conference-call-georges-st-pierre-nick-diaz-mma">fast-talking</a> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122575/nick-diaz">Nick Diaz</a> a few weeks ago at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/116563/ufc-158-st-pierre-vs-diaz">UFC 158</a> in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, defending his world title for the eighth time.</p>
<p>However, despite his dominant performance, "Rush" may have unknowingly upset some Asian supporters -- Korean fans to be exact -- because of his Hayabusa-sponsored attire.</p>
<p>And current top UFC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/featherweight">featherweight</a> contender <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122481/chan-sung-jung">Chan Sung Jung</a> is among them.</p>
<p>St. Pierre, a traditional martial artist who holds a black belt in Shidokan -- a form of Japanese Karate -- has often worn Japanese-influenced logos on his walkout gear, but the symbol of Japanese "Rising Sun Flag," was a reminder to Asians of the many war crimes its people fell victim to at the hands of the Japanese military.</p>
<p>"The Korean Zombie" respectfully explained his concerns to "GSP" via his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/koreanzombieMMA">Facebook</a> page:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Dear Mr. Georges St. Pierre</i></p>
<p><i>Hi, My name is Chan Sung Jung from South Korea. As one of many Koreans who like you as an incredible athlete, I feel like I should tell you that many Korean fans, including myself, were shocked to see you in your gi designed after the Japanese 'Rising Sun Flag'. For Asians, this flag is a symbol of war crimes, much like the German Hakenkreuzflagge. Did you know that? I hope not.</i></p>
<p><i>Just like Nazis, the Japanese also committed atrocities under the name of 'Militarism'. You can easily learn what they've done by googling (please do), although it's only the tiny tip of an enormous iceberg.</i></p>
<p><i><br>Furthermore, the Japanese Government never gave a sincere apology, and still to this day, so many victims are dying in pain, heartbroken, without being compensated. But many westerners like to wear clothes designed after the symbol under which so many war crimes and so much tragedy happened, which is ridiculous.</i></p>
<p><i>I know most of them are not militarists. I know most of them do not approve unjustified invasion, torture, massacre, etc. They're just ignorant. It's such a shame that many westerners are not aware of this tragic fact. Wearing Rising Sun outfits is as bad as wearing clothes with the Nazi mark on it, if not worse.</i></p>
<p><i>Since you're influenced by Japanese Martial Arts, your wearing a headband designed after Japanese flag is understandable. But again, that huge 'Rising Sun' on your Gi means something else.</i></p>
<p><i>Many people say GSP is the best Welterweight fighter throughout history, to which I totally agree. This means you have a great influence on every single fan of yours all around the world. And I do believe your wearing 'the symbol of War Crime' is a very bad example for them, not to mention for yourself.</i></p>
<p><i>So, what do you reckon? <br>Do you want to wear the same Gi next time as well?<br>- with Georges St-Pierre and Georges St-Pierre.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>It looks like St. Pierre, as well as his sponsor Hayabusa, may have overlooked a tiny little detail when designing the 170-pound champion's Gi, which to many Korean's -- and other countries which were victims to Japanese aggression -- is considered offensive and associate the symbol with Japanese militarism and imperialism.</p>
<p>While it's highly unlikely neither St. Pierre nor Hayabusa were privy to this information before, "The Korean Zombie" begs the question: Knowing now that the "Rising Sun" symbol is as disrespectful as the swastika -- Adolf Hitler's hate-fueled brand under the Nazi movement -- will St. Pierre and Co. keep this history lesson in mind when deciding what to wear out for his next title defense?</p>
<p>One would hope he would at least take it under serious consideration.</p>
<div class="pane widget freeform_html clearfix">
<div id="partner-module" class="clearfix">
<h2>Latest From Our Partners</h2>
<a target="new" id="partner-image" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights" name="partner-image"><img alt="Latest From Our Partners" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2314131/gsp12_medium.jpg"></a>
<div id="link-list">
<ul>
<li> <a target="new" title="GSP's Top 10 Fights(BR)" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562457-power-ranking-georges-st-pierres-top-ten-fights">GSP's Top 10 Fights (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a target="new" title="Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562862-ranking-the-best-fight-from-every-ufc-of-2013-so-far">Best UFC Fights So Far in 2013 (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a target="new" title="Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1565129-just-coast-and-4-other-pieces-of-bad-advice-offered-to-mma-fighters">Worst Advice Offered to MMA Fighters (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a target="new" title="Top Apps for Every MMA Fan (BR)" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562787-mma-12-apps-every-mma-fight-fan-needs-to-own">Top Apps Every MMA Fan Needs to Own (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a target="new" title="Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1557322-ranking-the-worst-chins-in-the-ufc-today">Worst Chins in the UFC Today (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a target="new" title="MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1563082-10-mma-fighters-poised-to-make-comebacks-in-2013">MMA Fighters Poised to Make Comebacks (BR)</a> </li>
<li> <a target="new" title="Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562955-5-fights-for-forrest-griffin-to-take-upon-his-return">Five Fights for Forrest Griffin's Return (BR)</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/24/4142034/korean-zombie-georges-st-pierres-ufc-158-japanese-rising-sun-flag-gi-naziAdam Guillen