

GSP was interviewed today by Quebec's RDS network (similar to TSN) in Montreal. Since the interview was in french, it doesn't seem to have been reported in american MMA media.

For those interested, here's a translation of his comments on both questions.

When asked about his thoughts on Nick Diaz as a person and on the latter's 5 years suspension:

"Nick is a very charismatic guy, he gets a lot of media attention. A lot of things were said before our fight but it was purely on a sporting level, I don't hate him, I never took it personally."

"Personally, I think 5 years is a lot, especially if you compare his case to Anderson Silva or other athletes who got caught cheating and received a lighter suspension. I think they wanted to use him as an example because of how colourful he is and of the attention he gets. They wanted to create a precedent similar to what has been done in Olympic sports with Marion Jones for example. Unfortunately, it happened to fall on him, but I think everyone is entitled to a second chance."

St-Pierre also believe that common sense should apply when punishing someone for a recreational drug. Although reaffirming that he is against all forms of drugs, he believes it abnormal to sentence a pot smoker on the same criteria as a steroid user.

"It's a drug, yes, but I believe the penalties should be different. Marijuana can help someone who suffers from anxiety to relax before a fight, but it won't make you stronger or more endurant. The sanctions should not be as severe."

"We need a guy like Nick Diaz in this sport and I hope he'll be able to come back soon. I really wish him all the best."

On Johnny Hendricks missing weight at UFC 192:

" You can't wish harm on anyone Johny Hendricks is a father, a family man, I hope he can come back in perfect health, but he must make big changes to his lifestyle. I hope he can make the right decision"

" All I can say is that it's very unfortunate, things like that should not happen. "

Now that the UFC has a anti-drug policy worthy of any major sport league, many observers believe that the organisation should limit extreme weight cuts that can put some athletes at severe risks. St-Pierre wants to make sure people understand it can stem from the same drug issue.

" It often goes together. Large and fast weight cuts are often done with drugs. I'm not accusing anybody in particular, but certain substances are often used to cut weights and others to gain some back. Science has gone that far... "

St-pierre confirms that the UFC's anti-doping actions are already producing results

" I'm not surprised to see certain things. I've met fighters that don't look like they used to, and they don't fight the same either. I think a lot of people are scared. "

Always a gentleman, George refuses to name any names even when pressed. " You can all read between the lines ".

In 2013, word had come out that St-Pierre offered to pay for a full VADA testing for him and Hendricks before their fight. UFC president Dana White had called the move "a little weird", stressing (at the time) that Vada testing was unnecessary as the fighters were already "tested by the government". Hendricks' camp had originally agreed publicly to the testing, but later recanted.

The original texts can be found here:

http://www.rds.ca/combat/ufc/nick-diaz-a-l-appui-de-gsp-1.2634990

http://www.rds.ca/combat/ufc/on-sait-tous-lire-entre-les-lignes-1.2634802