Part 2 Eric O'Keefe – GSP's Army-The Team Behind A Champion

I am by no means a mainstream sportswriter for a large media network. However, I was treated like one when I went to visit Eric O'Keefe's Force-Xtreme gym in the heart of the province of Quebec, Canada.

The city of Sherbrooke is an interesting blend of college students and blue collar workers who share a passion for MMA. Three years previous to my visit, Eric was approached by friends who had outgrown their gym over the course of it's 5 year history and had found a larger 20 000 sq ft facility to expand the organization which had grown to over 1300 students.

Eric joined the team as a shareholder and began focusing on the fighters competing at a professional level. The training of the amateur fighters is handled by Shootbox/MMA trainers Steve Duquette and Martin Provost. Striking duties belong to Muay Thai ace Antoine Coutu and boxing coach Christian Menard. Richard Martens handles the BJJ component of the training.

When Eric isn't busy helping in organizing MMA events like the one I attended on Aug 29th, Ultimate Mixed Fighting UMF 20 or coahing and cornering UFC fighter Denis Kang, you will find him on a Saturday morning volunteering his time teaching some Martial Arts basics to youths while instilling in them the principals of good sportsmanship and mutual respect.

Eric's company’s shirts that read “O’Keefe Fight Sport Management”, can be seen on the likes of UFC middle weight Nate Marquart and respected MMA coach guru Greg Jackon. “ I have tremendous respect for Greg Jackson, he is the type of guy who is always giving props to others and never takes the spotlight for himself”, states O'Keefe.

Jackon was not the only member of Georges' team to recognize Mr. O'Keefe's contributions: “Eric O'Keefe is also an unsung hero on this team. He gives his life to the sport and it is appreciated”., comments strength and conditioning coach Jonathan Chaimberg during an interview.

Eric can often be seen sitting down to a meal with friend Georges St Pierre. “You will always find GSP sitting on my left, it's a ritual that has turned into a tradition” says O'Keefe.

Always ones to stay on their toes even when eating, the pair have developed a game that when one isn't looking the other will attempt to lightly punch the another in the ribs. If the other fails to block the punch, then an admission of a lapse in concentration must be acknowledged to the other in the form of a nod. Although there are no compustats kept to keep score, Eric contests that they are very close to being even.

During one outing, Eric had to step in as a bodyguard when one overenthusiastic drunk fan proceeded to grab GSP by the shoulders and congratulate him, which wouldn't have been that bad except for the fact that Georges was standing at the urinal and was in mid stream. O'Keefe who could easily compete at heavyweight, convinced the fan that admiring St. Pierre from afar would be in his best interests.

On a personal note, I was really nervous doing my first interview for the fine fans here on YB. Eric went well out of his way to ensure that I felt welcome. He gave me the full tour of his gym, brought me to the weigh-ins for the UMF event and answered all of my questions with great patience and respect. It's no wonder Georges and his camp call this guy “friend”.

Eric manages some very talented up and coming fighters which I hope to do a series of articles on. So stay tuned and thanks for dropping by.