It’s All Over… ‘Rush’ Has Finally Announced His Official Retirement After a Legendary Career… Arguably the Greatest Fighter in the History of the UFC, He’s Set to Hang the Gloves Up for Good…
For a certain generation of MMA fan, Georges St. Pierre represents everything good about the sport. The former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion is the ultimate nice guy and an extremely talented fighter in his prime. The most successful welterweight champion in the history of the promotion, he was almost untouchable in his heyday.
With that iconic gi and trademark fighting style, he quickly gained a fanatical fanbase in his native Canada and was one of the UFC’s biggest stars during his heyday. He announced that he would be taking a break in 2013, and went on a four-year hiatus, that culminated in his return and winning the middleweight title.
Now after battling with his body – and the UFC top brass – he’s finally set to leave this sport behind him. ‘GSP’ is officially retired ladies and gentlemen. This is a sad day for MMA, even if we all knew it was coming.
There’s no more intriguing fight for @GeorgesStPierre than @TeamKhabib, but he understands the UFC’s position in not wanting it due to his inability to commit to fighting long-term. https://t.co/c31iDtLE7Q pic.twitter.com/RlAaHVvEja
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) February 21, 2019
Not Khabib Time
Although St. Pierre was linked to a lightweight championship fight – and was literally begged by Khabib Nurmagamedov – the UFC was never truly interested in making that happen. Without a challenge to enhance his legacy, ‘GSP’ had nothing left to fight for. He’s made his money and now it’s time to walk away. He told assembled media at his farewell press conference:
“I saw the message on the internet. For where I am right now, the most exciting thing is also the scariest thing is to fight an opponent who is invincible. That’s what Khabib is now and that’s why we wanted to fight him. It would lift my legacy.”
“It takes three people to make a fight — two people and the organization. And it just didn’t happen.”I wish Khabib the best of luck. I’m a big fan. I think he’s the best fighter right now. I love to watch him fight. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Hunger
While it’s a pity that fight will now never happen, it’s understandable the UFC didn’t want to make it, because of his inability to commit for the long term. The middleweight division still hasn’t recovered since St. Pierre walked away. With no opportunity to enhance his legacy, there was no reason for him to contemplate another return. He said:
“I don’t have the same anger, the same hunger anymore. Even though physically I’m at the top of the game, the hunger is not the same.”
Thank you, 🇨🇦 @GeorgesStPierre. For everything. pic.twitter.com/iIltDOeNjT
— UFC (@ufc) February 21, 2019
Pragmatic
St. Pierre seemed at peace with his decision and made it clear that this was the right thing for him to do. His battle with ulcerative colitis had a damaging effect on him over the last couple of years. Even though he’s recovered from that, he’s tired of the strain that fighting causes to his body, and doesn’t want to risk taking damage. He said:
“The last person to know when it’s time to retire is the fighter himself. What I don’t want is to retire too late. That’s what I don’t want to do.”
Nevertheless, he’s going to be missed by fans now that he’s officially stepping away from the game. What a legend.
