He has already defeated the best Welterweights out there, He has avenged his only 2 losses in his MMA career, He is considered the best MMA athlete for his weight division in the world... He is none other than UFC Welterweight Champ Georges “Rush” St. Pierre. And until someone can take away his domination... He will be the WELTERWEIGHT KING.

Elie: You’ve dominated your division in the UFC… what do you think you owe that too?
GSP: I think I tried to always keep myself ahead of the game, and I’m surrounded by the best trainers and best training partners, and they always help me out planning a great strategy.

Elie: What are your thoughts on the whole BJ Penn fight and situation?
GSP: I’m glad that I beat BJ Penn because he’s a very well-known fighter and he’s a legend in the sport. I didn’t waste any energy being worried about it. My manager took care of all of it for me.

Elie: Did the fight go as planned against BJ Penn?
GSP: I followed exactly the game plan, and that’s why it went very well.

Elie: Do you think it would be the same result if there were a rematch with BJ Penn?
GSP: I think it would be even better for me.

Elie: How did you get the nickname ‘Rush’?
GSP: I got the nickname “Rush” because in the beginning of my career I used to beat my opponents all in the first round, very early.

Elie: Next up is Thiago Alves, what are your thoughts on him as a fighter?
GSP: He’s the toughest guy that I’ve fought so far. He brings a lot of problems on the table, but I think I got the tools to solve it.

Elie: We interviewed Thiago and he says he is going to knock you out, what is your prediction?
GSP: I don’t think he’s going to knock me out – I think I’m going to beat him. I don’t know how, but I know I’m going to beat him.

Elie: Tell us a little about the training and the team that is preparing you for the fight?
GSP: I’m surrounded by all the guys in Montreal – Firas [Zahabi], David Loiseau, Denny Kang plus all the guys that I box with – the professional boxers – some are world champions and former world champions, all the wrestlers – the Montreal Olympic Wrestling Club @ the YMHA, Jonathan Chaimberg – my strength & conditioning coach, Greg’s Jackson’s guys – Nathan Marquardt, Keith Jardine, Rashad Evans, plus in New York I train at Renzo Gracie’s Academy & Phil Nurse with the Muay Thai and I have some guys from France who come from out of town.

Elie: We feature your trainer Firas Zahabi also in this issue, what makes him a good trainer for you?
GSP: He’s very smart & very well-rounded. He’s got a very open mind in MMA, you know, he’s not only a kickboxer or only a jiu-jitsu guy – he’s everything.

Elie: Any interest of going up a division to middleweight in the UFC?
GSP: Maybe one day if the timing is good.

Elie: What do you see in your MMA career for the rest of 2009?
GSP: I see myself being champion and beating the best guys.

Elie: Any interests in acting or other avenues?
GSP: I see it more as an after-career.

Elie: You’ve had a huge MMA career, what made you want to step into Mixed Martial Arts competition?
GSP: When I first saw Royce Gracie, I got inspired by him and I wanted to be champion like him.

Elie: Tell us a little about your first MMA fight, the nerves, your mind?
GSP: I was so nervous I couldn’t sleep three days before the fight. Now I learn – I’m still just as nervous, but I know how to control it more.

Elie: So what do you do for fun when you’re not fighting or training?
GSP: I like to do everything that is outside of MMA, like going to see a movie, or hang out with my friends, dancing.

Elie: Any last comments?
GSP: I want to say ‘thank-you’ to all my fans for their support, and all my team, my manager and everybody who helped me out to be where I’m at. Also my sponsors, Affliction Clothing and Gatorade.