Georges St. Pierre’s decision to step away from the sport of mixed martial arts made waves late last week, though it really was just him reinforcing what he’d said after his bout with Johny Hendricks. But the UFC has lost one of their most well known and big drawing stars with St. Pierre’s retirement/break/stepping away — however temporary it may be.
St. Pierre was very open about the fact that he didn’t know if or when he would return to the cage, not really making any sort of long-term proclamations beyond that he needed a break.
UFC president Dana White seems fairly confident that the greatest welterweight fighter in MMA history will return to action. After the UFC on Fox 9 card he explained what he believes will happen (via MMA Weekly):
“He didn’t walk away. He’s going to come back. He has some things he has to handle. He did the classy thing and vacated the title. He did the right thing,” said White during the UFC on Fox 9 post show on Fox Sports 1 on Saturday. “He’s going to be gone a while. Somebody will win that belt and then he’ll be back.”
Just how long that might take, White wasn’t sure.
“As long as it takes for him to clear out that zoo,” he quipped.
Robbie Lawler and Johny Hendricks will meet for the vacated UFC welterweight title at UFC 171.