Georges St-Pierre, a UFC Hall of Famer and one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever, shared blunt advice for fighters nearing the end of their careers during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show in April 2025. Known for retiring on top after a storied career, St-Pierre urged athletes to prioritize their own timing and well-being over external pressures to continue fighting.
He spoke candidly about the mindset fighters need.
“If you retire on a winning streak, they tell you pass the torch,” St-Pierre said. “F—k that. Don’t pass the torch. Retire on your turn, not on their turn. It’s a selfish sport, you know? And you have to be selfish. And when you feel it’s time to retire? Retire.”
Reflecting on his own decision, he added:
“I realized with the stress and everything in my life, it was time for me to retire, and I did. And I’m glad I did it. I don’t regret it.”
“There’s something that you cannot beat, it’s time… They tell you pass the torch. Fuck that. Don’t pass the torch. Retire on your turn, not on their turn. It’s a selfish sport and you have to be selfish… When you feel it’s time to retire, retire.”@GeorgesStPierre on when… pic.twitter.com/L2nSalP2Uj
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 28, 2025
A Legacy of Discipline and Strategic Retirement
St-Pierre’s career stats highlight his dominance. He holds a 26-2 record, with 20 wins in the UFC, tying for the most consecutive victories. He won the welterweight title twice, defending it nine times, a record, and captured the middleweight title in 2017 by submitting Michael Bisping at UFC 217, his final fight. Retiring at 37 on a 13-fight win streak, he avoided the decline seen in many fighters, a choice he credits to listening to his instincts.
The Montreal native’s advice comes as veterans like Anthony Smith, who retired after a TKO loss to Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City on April 26 2025, face tough career crossroads. St-Pierre emphasized health and post-career quality of life, a view echoed on X, where fans praised his disciplined exit. His comments resonate with fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated at 29-0.
St-Pierre’s philosophy stems from personal experience. He stepped away in 2013 after nine straight welterweight title defenses, citing mental exhaustion and frustration with UFC’s drug-testing policies. His 2017 return was calculated, targeting a legacy-defining win before retiring again in 2019. Now 43, he rules out MMA but is open to safer competitions like grappling.
His words challenge the sport’s culture of fighting past one’s prime, offering a roadmap for younger athletes. With no fight booked, St-Pierre’s focus remains on mentoring and acting, including roles in “Falcon and Winter Soldier,”
