How Freddie Roach helped secure Georges St-Pierre’s new UFC deal

By the sound of things, the MMA community owes famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach a big ‘thank you!’

Earlier this month, it was announced that former UFC welterweight kingpin Georges St-Pierre had reached a multi-fight deal with the UFC, which the pair were close to finalizing. Shortly after, it was announced that St-Pierre had officially signed the new UFC contract, and that the UFC was currently looking to book him a fight.

With that being said however, there was no official word on when GSP would be returning, or who he would be making his highly anticipated return against. With that being said, there was no shortage of potential opponents for the former champ.

The news of St-Pierre signing a new contract with the UFC comes after several months of reports that the former champ was in negotiations with the UFC. The difference in this negotiation however, was none other than famed boxing coach Freddie Roach, and CAA’s Nick Khan.

Roach spoke on The MMA Hour:

“We started a couple of months ago,” Roach said on the MMA Hour. “We met with Georges, and I introduced him to Nick. We all worked on the game plan together, and it worked out very well.

“We weren’t looking to steal anyone away from anybody,” he said. “We just wanted to make the best deal we could for Georges. I do train him quite a bit, and he is a great guy. He needed some help, and that’s what we did.”

“Georges was a little disappointed (before) because his people couldn’t get the deal done, and couldn’t negotiate the deal with Dana. I think there was a little ‘dislike’ there somewhere along the way,” Roach explained. “Me and Nick being neutral parties and having a good game plan, I think we pulled off a great deal for him. I think it was a very fair deal.

“It all worked out really well. At the end of the day, I think everyone was happy,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting Georges ready for these fights. I think it will be a lot of fun.”

on 2/22/2017.