Georges St-Pierre is stepping away from mixed martial arts and vacating his UFC welterweight title.
The Saint-Isidore, Que., native made the announcement during a Friday media conference call.
“I’ve decided I need to take time off,” GSP said. “I’m vacating my title out of respect for the other competitors.”
St-Pierre said he’s not stepping away from the UFC over concern for his physical health, but explained it’s more for his mental health.
“I chose to do this sport and now I choose not to. Mentally, it’s a lot of pressure. No one can understand it but me,” GSP said.
The 32-year-old also left the door open for a potential return one day.
“I believe one day I will come back (but) I can’t put myself through another training camp right now.”
UFC president Dana White, who was also on the call, said he supports GSP’s decision to vacate his UFC title.
“I think it’s the right move,” explained White, who added that no fighter should continue to compete if they aren’t 100 per cent committed to the sport.
GSP’s trainer Firas Zahabi told Sportsnet he happy his fighter made the decision he did.
“I think he needs a break. I really hope this brings him a more balanced life,” Zahabi said before adding, “I think he’ll get the itch again to fight.”
Following a controversial split decision win over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167 last month in Las Vegas, GSP suggested he would be stepping away from the sport for personal reasons.
“I have a bunch of stuff in my life happening. I have to hang up my gloves for a bit,” St-Pierre told UFC commentator Joe Rogan after the fight. “I have to go away for a little bit at least. That’s all I can say right now.”
St-Pierre, the UFC’s top pay-per-view draw, made his UFC debut in January 2004 and has amassed a 19-2 record in the promotion. The Canadian is a two-time welterweight champion and is regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in the sport’s history. He is currently on a 12-fight win streak and has successfully defended his title nine times in a row. He holds the UFC record for most total strikes landed, significant strikes landed, takedowns landed, and most total minutes spent competing the UFC’s Octagon.
