AS THE UFC celebrated 20 years, one of its greatest ever fighters announced he was stepping away from the sport following a split-decision win over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167 on Saturday night.
George St-Pierre was close to tears as he told the sold-out MGM Grand in Las Vegas that “personal things” were the reason he would be bidding adieu to the to the octagon after nine years at the top of the sport.
“I need to hang up my gloves for a little bit, I have to go away for a little bit, at least,” said St-Pierre, adding that he had “a bunch of stuff” he needs to take care of away from the sport.
“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the UFC.”
If it is a permanent retirement, GSP can rightly be regarded as one of the all-time greats of mixed martial arts. The Canadian is the longest serving champion in the UFC, holding the welterweight title since April 2008.
Last night’s win over Hendricks was not without controversy though with the challenger convinced he had won the fight. However, the decision went the champion’s way, moving his record to 25-2 while Hendricks falls to 15-2.
