Credit: Sportsnet

UFC welterweight champion Georges “Rush” St. Pierre has been named the Canadian Athlete of the Year for the third year in a row by Rogers Sportsnet. The dominant 170-pound kingpin was in the running against Canadian luminaries such as Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Maëlle Ricker, National League baseball MVP Joey Votto, and hockey stars Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby. The award‘s recipient was decided by readers of Rogers Sportsnet, who voted on the athletes through a tournament-style bracket.

St. Pierre offered a statement to Rogers Sportsnet concerning the award.

“Winning the Rogers Sportsnet Canadian Athlete of the Year award for the third time means a lot to me,” St-Pierre said. “This year there were a lot of nominees that I really respect, so I am honoured that the fans chose me. Thanks to all my fans for their support.”

UFC president Dana White also spoke about St. Pierrereceiving the award, explaining that he isn’t surprised at “Rush’s” popularity because the French-Canadian possesses characteristics which warrant such attention.

“I have always said that GSP is not only a great champion and a great athlete, he is a great human being,” White said. “Not only does he represent his title and the sport well, he is also an incredible representative for Canada. I am so happy to see him get what he deserves. Congratulations Georges St-Pierre.”

St. Pierre has fought twice in 2010, earning two dominant unanimous decisions over tough welterweight contenders Dan Hardy and Josh Koscheck. He hasn’t lost a bout since 2007 when he was shockingly TKO’ed at the hands of underdog Matt Serra. He has fought eight times since then, against some of the best welterweight fighters in the world and, in doing so, has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s pound for pound best fighters.