UFC 111: Keep Talkin' Trash Dan Hardy, It Pumps George St. Pierre Up

Heavy.com caught up with George St. Pierre's head trainer, Firas Zahabi, who gushed about just how much St. Pierre is progressing; he also talks about why he likes it when opponents talk trash to “Rush.”

Here is a partial transcript of the interview:

Firas Zahabi:   It's getting scary. Georges is getting better and better, believe it or not.  If I compare him to last year he is far beyond where he was. He's a very scary individual. 

I can't even put him in with anybody his size.  I have to bring in guys who are much bigger, much stronger. I had Nate Marquardt and Rashad Evans come in last week to challenge Georges. 

It's getting very tricky now. I can't put him with another welterweight because there is no other welterweight right now I can bring in who can make Georges sweat. 

We're looking to bring in Gegard Mousasi who is at 205 to work with Georges.  I'm reaching out for big, strong guys to challenge him.

Heavy.com:  How does Georges handle the trash talk that Hardy is throwing out there?

Firas Zahabi:   I'll tell you something: Georges gets very pumped up when people talk trash.  He gets very excited and motivated to train more.  I actually like it when the opponent's talk more because Georges comes in and puts in a lot more work.

Eight weeks before the fight, we put up Georges' opponent's picture in the gym. His face is all over the gym. Just to remind Georges to come in a little earlier, just to remind Georges to work a little harder.  Georges is always thinking about the guy. 

He's never forgetting. Trust me, believe me, the more Matt Serra talked the harder Georges was training. The more BJ talked, the more Georges worked on his conditioning and his boxing.  It really fuels Georges St. Pierre.  To me, it has really backfired on every opponent.

What will be interesting to watch unfold is the game plan of St. Pierre. He has said that he is not afraid to stand and trade with Dan Hardy but it seems like anything other than his typical take-down fest would be inviting Hardy to pull at Matt Serra.

Will St. Pierre stand and bang with Hardy? Does Hardy have a prayer? What say you?