I don't know guys, come on, this is a sport. Even Michael Jordan comes off as arrogant, Kobe Bryant, Mike Tyson, Terrel Owens. Just to name a few people from different worlds.
It's part of the game, and I don't think you can soley judge a person by their arrogance or "confidence". Truth is, it does take an extreme amount of confidence to do these types of things and put yourself out there on a constant basis. Its such a competetive sport, and I think that there has always been an underlying dislike between Hughes/St Pierre. If I remember correctly, after Hughes defeated St Pierre the first time, St Pierre started talking trash that he gave Hughes too much respect etc.
Im all for humbleness as you all are, but I can understand why these act the way they do. For one, it makes for good television and "rivalrys" are what brings in the crowds. secondly, maybe it's not about getting into your opponents head, maybe it's getting your own head where it needs to be before a big fight.
It's not about thinking Hughes is the best, but he's proven himself time and time again. Thats all there is, everything else is speculation. You don't know for a fact that he would have lost....the only thing you know is that he didnt lose, whether or not he was on the edge or severely losing on the score cards. How many times has Michael Jordan "almost lost and should have lost" but then made the clutch shot to win the game? Does that make him any less of a champion because of it?
Conger, LOL @ your Tito Ortiz comparisson. IMO there's no one worse than Tito Ortiz in terms of "antics". What type of person would sign a contract and back out a day before the fight?
If the UFC were the iron chef competitions, then maybe i'd agree that arrogance makes for a bad person.