After Georges St-Pierre narrowly defeated Johny Hendricks at UFC 167, fans expected an immediate rematch.
St-Pierre, who had defended his welterweight title 8 times prior to facing “Bigg Rigg”, went toe-to-toe with the Texan for five rounds and earned a split decision victory. The Canadian was visibly bruised and sore but didn’t believe the win was controversial.
In the post-fight interview, St-Pierre announced that he was planning to take a break from the sport, which enraged Dana White at the post-fight press conference. The UFC president believed the win was controversial and stated that Georges owed the company a rematch with Hendricks.
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According to St-Pierre, the long-time champion said this was one of the reasons he hasn’t returned to the UFC. Georges spoke to Chael Sonnen on his “You’re Welcome” podcast.
“I’m going to tell you the truth. If this whole thing had not happened after the fight… maybe I would have already been back and maybe I would have given the rematch to Johny Hendricks,” he said.
The 34-year-old claims a backstage employee told him not to attend the press conference, which sent alarm bells ringing in his head.
“I say why? ‘You know, you’re not allowed to go, it’s OK.’ Then I understood, hm, something weird is going on.”
Georges attended the press conference and believes Dana White could have handled the situation with better class. The Tristar standout had been one of the company’s longest reigning champions and headlined some of the most successful PPV’s in UFC history.
“And then I found out Dana was saying I was gone to hospital and I was badly hurt. I was like, what is wrong with this? Because I didn’t know what was going on. I understand Dana was pissed because I was leaving with the belt. I got it. But he could have done it with a bit of better class, you know?”
(Check out the full transcripted interview at MMAMania.com)
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