It Seems Georges St-Pierre Has Officially Ended His MMA Career!
Yesterday former middleweight and welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre said he’d officially announce his retirement from the world of mixed martial arts (at today’s press conference) after failing to come to terms for a super fight against UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khabib Nurmagomedov did his best to delay St-Pierre’s retirement, and called for the fight in November.
St-Pierre responds to Khabib’s message, stating ‘unfortunately it’s not up to us.’ Despite the French-Canadian respect Nurmagomedov’s idea, the response was far from optimistic.
Just spoke to GSP. He didn’t want to go into too much details. I asked about @TeamKhabib‘s message and he said: “I saw what Khabib wrote, and I appreciate it very much. Unfortunately, these decisions aren’t up to us. I will address everything at the press conference tomorrow.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 20, 2019
Just spoke to GSP. He didn’t want to go into too much details. I asked about @TeamKhabib‘s message and he said: “I saw what Khabib wrote, and I appreciate it very much. Unfortunately, these decisions aren’t up to us. I will address everything at the press conference tomorrow.”
The French-Canadian superstar took part at a press conference inside the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec Canada, where he officially announced the end of his UFC career.
Georges St-Pierre officially announces his retirement.
"There's no tears. I'm very happy to do it."
"In combat sports you should retire on top, that's what I'm going to do. I'm happy I have the discipline to do it."
— Tom Taylor (@TomTaylorWrites) February 21, 2019
“There’s no tears. I’m very happy to do it,” St-Pierre said in the English portion of his retirement message. “In combat sports you should retire on top, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m happy I have the discipline to do it.”
Georges St-Pierre explained why the fight versus Khabib Nurmagomedov didn’t come to fruition.
Georges St-Pierre on Khabib Nurmagomedov fight.
“Khabib wanted it, I wanted it, but the UFC had other plans.”
Says the UFC wanted him to come back for multiple fights, but he wasn't willing at this stage of his career.
— Tom Taylor (@TomTaylorWrites) February 21, 2019
“Khabib wanted it, I wanted it, but the UFC had other plans.”
"Physically I'm at the top of my game, but the hunger is not the same."
"I wish Khabib the best of luck. I think he's the best fighter right now. I can't wait to watch his next fight."
— Tom Taylor (@TomTaylorWrites) February 21, 2019
“Physically I’m at the top of my game, but the hunger is not the same,” St-Pierre said, explaining that he doesn’t have the motivation to return for multiple fights. “I wish Khabib the best of luck. I think he’s the best fighter right now. I can’t wait to watch his next fight.”
Georges St-Pierre spent a lot of time thanking people who helped him get to the top, including managers and coaches. He mentioned the Brazilian submission expert Royce Gracie as a fighter who inspired him, but also thanked his other sports idols – a hockey player Wayne Gretzky and a kickboxer Jean Yves Theriault.
Georges St-Pierre (26-2 MMA, 20-2 UFC) was the UFC Welterweight title for the longest period of time. He defeated BJ Penn, Nick Diaz, Josh Koscheck, and many other legends.
What do you think of Georges St-Pierre’s retirement?
