Issue 178

May 2019

Or should we say, À bientôt?

The legendary Georges St-Pierre has retired from Mixed Martial Arts . . . again. Does he mean it this time? It’s hard to believe that we will never see GSP in the Octagon again. It’s been four years since the Canadian last retired, on which occasion we might have thought it genuinely was the end.

During a post-fight interview after his UFC 167 bout against Johnnie Hendricks, a bruised and battered St-Pierre cited concerns over his wellbeing as the reason. Short-term memory loss caused by continuous blows to the head is a common problem for seasoned professional fighters and it seemed sensible that an intelligent athlete like GSP would end his career on top and in good health.

However, to return to the sport after such a long hiatus, compete in a higher weight category and win in dominating fashion against a seasoned veteran suggested he had much still to offer. Here he is pictured on November 4, 2017, about to enter the Octagon to fight Michael Bisping and take his middleweight title. If this is to be his last fight, no-one could say he didn't quit at the top.

Such is the recent trend for retired heroes to come back for that final fight, it would not entirely surprise us if GSP were to come back to the cage for a big payday. Whether it happens or not, thanks for the memories and the years of entertainment, Georges. An assured Hall of Fame place awaits.