Georges St-Pierre has explained why he finally retired from MMA in 2017.
'GSP' originally left the sport for four years after defending his welterweight belt in a controversial split-decision victory over Johny Hendricks in 2013.
In 2017, the man already considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history returned for a middleweight title fight against Michael Bisping, whom he defeated within three rounds when they collided at UFC 217.
Then Georges St-Pierre sailed into the sunset and was never seen in the Octagon again.
Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Why did Georges St-Pierre retire?
Georges St-Pierre re-established himself as one of MMA's biggest stars by defeating Bisping.
Several big money fights were on the table when he decided to quit martial arts for good.
The 43-year-old recently reunited with the last man to beat him, Matt Serra, for a podcast.
During their conversation, GSP revealed that he originally planned to keep fighting after winning UFC gold in a second weight class – but ultimately called it a career after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, which is swelling or inflammation of the fat intestine.
“I wasn't going to walk away right away,” St-Pierre said of his two-time UFC rival.
“I thought I would have stayed, but I was diagnosed with colitis. Then it forced me to rethink everything. I was like, 'You know what? Maybe the stress and stuff [is making my symptoms worse]'.
“Trying to prove that I'm the strongest wasn't my main priority right now. I think I made the right choice.
“Most guys don't know when to stop. In the end they are broke and beaten, and I hate to see it.”
Georges St-Pierre rules out return
St-Pierre flirted with the idea of taking “novelty fights” when he was released from his UFC deal.
Nearly a decade after his last UFC fight, he admits there's no point in competing unless it's at the top.
St-Pierre added: “If I do something, it's because I want to be the best. I don't just do it for show.
“The money, we always want more, but that is not my main motivation. Even when I was broke when I started, I would rather win a fight and make zero money than lose a fight and make $1 million.
“This is true. Not everyone can do the same, but I promise you it's true.
You won't see St-Pierre fight again, but he will continue to win after he retires.
Canada's favorite fighter has become an actor, entrepreneur and one of life's winners outside the Octagon, where he rose to fame.
“I am very happy,” concluded St-Pierre.
“I couldn't ask for a better life. I feel very lucky and privileged to have the life I have.”
Related topics
Comments