Georges St. Pierre: I’m Willing To Pay For VADA Because I’m The Champion
Longtime UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre is set to face what many are calling his toughest test when he steps into the octagon on November 17th to fight Johny Hendricks in the main event of UFC 167. Hendricks is a decorated collegiate wrestler with uncanny knockout power in his hands, and many think that “Bigg Rigg” is finally the fighter that GSP won’t be able to take down and hold down.
Regardless of what transpires in the cage, however, St. Pierre is willing to send a very clear-cut message that he will win or lose at UFC 167 as a complete drug-free fighter. St. Pierre has been very vocal in his support for the stringent VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) testing standards, and both he and Hendricks are willingly participating in the program.
The champion elaborated on his support for the detailed program to MMA Fighting, noting that he is willing to pay for the testing with his own money:
“I’m ready to pay [for our testing] myself, because I’m the champion,” St-Pierre said. All from my purse, I paid for the tests because I’m the champion. That’s why I’m ready, I’m ready to do it. That’s a point I want to make. I believe that VADA is the best anti-doping agency in the world. And I’m willing to be tested. You cannot be against [it].”
It appears that St. Pierre is adamant to prove that he is a clean champion, and obviously wants Hendricks to subscribe to that same set of expectations. It’s a very straightforward and honest perspective from GSP, who has undergone PED accusations in the past, most notably from his last opponent Nick Diaz.
That may have been all trash talk and hype, but either way, St. Pierre is willing to put all speculation to bed in definitive fashion. In fact, St. Pierre views any steroid talk thrown his way as a compliment to his dedication and hard work as a world-class athlete:
“A lot of people accuse me [of taking PEDs]. For me, when they accuse me, I take that as a compliment. I believe they compliment my athleticism. I want to prove also that it’s possible to be champion without using drugs, and I know VADA is the most professional, it is the best for that.”
At the end of the day, VADA testing is one of, if not the best, avenues for fighters to truly prove that they are not reaping the benefits of PEDs prior to big-name fights. A lot will be on the line in Las Vegas when St. Pierre and Hendricks do battle.
It’s a fight that has been a long time in the making, and GSP is more than willing to make certain that PED use does not mar his latest and possibly most pivotal title fight.
