Former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre recently shared a thrilling yet harrowing experience during a trip to Rwanda, where he found himself face-to-face with a silverback gorilla. Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, St-Pierre described the encounter and how he narrowly escaped unharmed.

St-Pierre revealed that while visiting Rwanda and engaging in gorilla trekking, he was accompanied by a guide who instructed him on the rules for interacting with gorillas. The guide emphasized the importance of avoiding eye contact, refraining from eating in their presence, and not taking flash photos. If a gorilla approached, the guide advised calmly getting out of the way and assuming a submissive posture.

Recalling the intense moment, St-Pierre explained that the silverback gorilla looked directly at him and started approaching. Acting on the guide's instructions, he quickly moved out of the way and knelt on the ground, hoping to convey submission. The gorilla examined him closely, even displaying incredible muscle definition through its fur. Fortunately, the guide intervened and St-Pierre was ultimately spared from any harm.

St-Pierre expressed his awe at the significant difference between seeing gorillas on television and encountering them in real life. He marveled at the intelligence of the gorilla's behavior, explaining that it had purposely turned its back to him to demonstrate that he posed no threat.

Known for his successful fighting career in the UFC, where he achieved a remarkable 20-2 record, St-Pierre showcased his respect and passion for wildlife both inside and outside the octagon. In a previously shared video from 2018, St-Pierre can be seen following an encounter with a gorilla, although it remains unclear if this is the same incident he described on the podcast.

In addition to his close encounter with the silverback gorilla, St-Pierre revealed his fascination with the movements of snakes and how it influenced his striking technique in the cage. He described his jab as being similar to a snake, explaining that he would fold himself in before launching a surprising attack on his opponents.

During the podcast, St-Pierre also encouraged fellow UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman to embark on their own gorilla trekking journeys. He highlighted the incredible experience and suggested that it could contribute to wildlife preservation efforts by raising funds.

Georges St-Pierre's encounter with the silverback gorilla serves as a testament to the power and intelligence of these magnificent creatures. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving wildlife, even for a seasoned fighter like St-Pierre.