SPORTSNET.CA
UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre has signed with CAA Sports, a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which already represents sports superstars the likes of Sidney Crosby, Derek Jeter, LeBron James and David Beckham.
In conjunction with St. Pierre’s manager Shari Spencer, CAA Sports, which represents more than 400 of the world's best athletes, coaches and sports personalities regarding marketing and endorsement initiatives, will work to create unique opportunities for the UFC welterweight champion across a wide variety of platforms, including movies, television, licensing and digital media.
"Beyond being a fierce competitor and a tremendously skilled fighter, Georges St. Pierre’s class, integrity and humility also make him a terrific ambassador for (mixed martial arts)," said Howard Nuchow, co-head, CAA Sports. "We look forward to creating opportunities for Georges that cross international borders and build upon his widespread appeal."
Added Spencer: "Georges’ appeal transcends the Octagon and I am confident that together we can introduce Georges, and the entire sport of MMA, to a wider audience."
St. Pierre, a two-time 170-pound champion, has seen his stock rise tremendously with big wins in the past year over top contender Jon Fitch and former title-holders Matt Serra and Matt Hughes. His popularity was most evident in April when he headlined the first UFC event in Montreal, an event that sold out in record time, and St. Pierre drew some of the largest cheers ever heard at the Bell Centre.
"I’m very excited to be working with CAA," St. Pierre said. "They represent a lot of great athletes and I’m honoured to be associated with them."
St. Pierre is next expected to take on lightweight champion B.J. Penn in January at the UFC’s Super Bowl weekend event, held each year in Las Vegas and with some of the year's biggest matchups.
NOTES: On Monday, the UFC announced open casting calls in Chicago and London, England, for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, which will feature 16 American and 16 British fighters competing in the middleweight and welterweight divisions. "The Ultimate Fighter: U.S. vs. U.K" begins in Las Vegas in January.
