Georges St-Pierre has just officially announced his retirement. Speaking in French and English, GSP confirmed the news in a press conference in Montreal, Canada.
GSP said he didn’t want to write anything down, as he wanted his words to come from the heart.
The former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion thanked several people including his long term coaches and a certain Canadian ice hockey player.
When asked about Khabib Nurmagamedov’s Instagram message, asking for to fight in November, GSP said that he only wants to take one fight at a time and that doesn’t fit into the UFC’s plans.
“Khabib wanted it, I wanted it, but the UFC had other plans.
As well as not getting the fight he wanted with Khabib, GSP also said that he’s no longer the same fighter that he once was.
One other reason he gave for his retirement was the fact that he didn’t want to retire too late, like many fighters do.
When asked about what he was most proud of in his career, GSP answered the moment he recovered from the head kick of Carlos Condit.
Although we may never see him inside the Octagon again, GSP says he will keep training.
Despite some difference of opinions in recent times, GSP stated that he was on good terms with the UFC President, Dana White.
GSP said that martial arts saved him.
When asked whether he would come out of retirement, if Dana called him and offered him the Khabib fight, GSP said he wasn’t thinking about that.
Outside of the Octagon, GSP said his proudest moment was the way he overcame the loss to Matt Serra.
"Congrats. Nice to see someone leave well alone for once."
I was lucky enough to be able to train along side Georges St. Pierre many times throughout my career. Georges was always the consummate professional in everything he did, whether it be in the octagon or out. I think a lot of young fighters can learn from him, I know I did. The classy and respectful approach he brought to his fighting career is something to be admired, I know theatrics and pizzazz sells fights but there’s something to be said about the way Georges did it. Last of a dying breed! Congrats on an amazing career, you sir is what the word Legend is for!
Congratulations to George St. Pierre on his retirement. He has been a role model in the sport from the start to the finish. Amazing career ! Great job finishing on top !