The main event of UFC 167 saw Welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre facing off against challenger Johny Hendricks . After a 5 round battle, St-Pierre managed to retain his title in a split decision that was widely criticized. Following the fight, the champ let loose with a post fight interview saying he was stepping away from the sport for at least some unstated amount of time.
UFC president Dana White did not appreciate the scoring of the fight or GSP’s post-fight speech. He derided the NSAC for their incompetence then GSP for not giving what he owes to the fans and the sport. White was widely opposed for his criticism In Tuesday’s episode of UFC Tonight White tried to explain his comments (via MMa Fighting):
“But, he made a big mistake, when he said what he said,” White continued. “Shouldn’t have said it, didn’t make sense, and it left everyone wondering what was going on, including me.”
White seemed most bothered by the substantial brushback he’s received to his opinion, stated at the press conference, that St-Pierre owes the sport.
“When we talk about ‘GSP doesn’t owe you anything,’ You’re wrong,” said White. “Here’s the reality. GSP took almost a year and a half off. And he’s had two fights [actually three] since then, since he tore his ACL out. When you fight in this sport, there’s a small opportunity for people, and there’s a lineup of people who want a shot at the UFC 170-pound title. You can’t just say I’m going to put this on hold because you have personal problems. You can’t do that. No, you cannot. You can’t do that.”
For one second, let’s recognize that White has a point in saying GSP can’t just say he’s taking a break for an unspecified amount of time. If he needed time off, that should have been discussed prior to the bout and it’s understandable White is upset about that. However, knee surgeries aren’t vacation and making those comparable to a vacation is blatant false equivalency.
White contends that the rematch between Hendricks and GSP is ‘on track’ despite Georges’ manager saying the first match may have been St-Pierre’s last fight. Disregarding the gossip of baby mamas, ailing family, and lawsuits, White is still trying to coerce a fighter into competing when he doesn’t want to. in my eyes, it’s not a good look for Dana or the UFC.
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