 You know the fighter. He's "Rush" or "GSP" and one of the most talented welterweight fighters in the world. But now you're going to discover a different side to Canadian Georges St. Pierre.
As a youngster, did you play hockey?
Yeah. After MMA, it's my second favorite sport. I played center. In my hometown, almost all of the kids are born with a hockey stick in their hands.
Did you have a favorite player?
Yes. My favorite player of all time is Wayne Gretzky. Not only was he the best player in the world, but he is a true gentleman and a pioneer in the sport. He can talk well, and he seems like an intelligent guy. He's a good guy on the ice and off.
Tell us something about yourself that we would not guess by looking at you.
I am a very good chess player.
When you're not preparing for a fight, what is the first thing you do on a Saturday morning?
When I am not preparing for a fight, I am probably sleeping late. On those days, I wake up around 11 because I usually have gone out the night before. After that, I probably won't do anything.
On Sunday, whether I am fighting or not, I train. I wrestle at 10 a.m., even if I have been out the night before. I still go. You can be a man at night, but you also have to be a man in the morning.
By the way, I don't train because I have to. I train because I love it. You will never see me fat. I love what I'm doing.
Tell us what your hobbies are.
Ice hockey is No. 1, but I am also a big movie fan. I go to the movie theater once or twice per week. I like superhero movies, and my favorite is "Batman." Why? He's the only superhero who is human. All the others have special powers or forces. He uses technology and intelligence.
Is there a lot of pressure in MMA to do drugs and alcohol?
Let me start by saying that there are drugs and alcohol in all sports; it's not just MMA. But yes, the mentality [for some] is that they are going to train 100 percent, fight 100 percent and party 100 percent. I do not think that is the right way to go about things. If you take drugs, sooner or later you will pay for it. When you're a world-class athlete, you have to make some sacrifices and not allow yourself to get involved in drugs. I will drink beer occasionally, but I do not take drugs and never will.
What is your favorite way to relax?
I go see a movie, and that is why I see a movie two times per week. Not only does it allow me to forget my stressful life, but I sleep better at night [afterward].
What is the best thing about being a professional athlete?
I would have to say that it is being your own boss. Plus, you get the added bonus of seeing the results of your hard work. It's like the expression no pain, no gain.
When you're fighting, in what language does your corner speak to you?
There's always a French guy in my corner. My corner discusses topics in English, but the Frenchman screams the information to me in French. Not that many opposing fighters know the language.
I do understand Portuguese. So, if I am facing a Brazilian fighter and his corner tells him in Portuguese to do something, I can understand them.
What is the worst thing about being a professional athlete?
Your job is to be nice to people even when you are not in the ring. So, even if you are sick or do not feel good for any reason, you have to be nice to people when they ask for an autograph. That is not always easy. You sometimes have to force yourself to be nice to some fans. I've had some drunk guys come up to me and other times guys have just finished ribs, but they want to shake my hand. Others [because of your fame] want to be close friends with you and never let you go.
What is your favorite place to vacation?
The Caribbean Islands. I like the weather, the sand, the beach and the women.
Speaking of women, compare American women to Canadian women.
I think there are good-looking women in every part of the world, and I think you can find something attractive in every woman, even if she is heavy. Show me a woman, and I'll find something attractive about her. Every woman has something that will make her look good.
Is your family supportive of your fighting career?
My family is behind me 110 percent; they are my biggest fans. If they were not as supportive as they are, I would not be at this level right now. They help me a lot.
When you're in Las Vegas and not fighting, what do you do?
I like to go out, play blackjack and dance. I practice my footwork on the dance floor. I am not very good at blackjack, but this guy [manager Stephane] makes money all the time. In fact, he never loses. He made something like $2,000 recently. It was a good night at Caesar's.
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