PHOTO CREDIT: MMA Fighting(George St-Pierre’s comeback)
UFC Hall of Famer George St-Pierre is one of the best UFC fighters in history. Among the most dominant UFC champions during the late 2000s and early 2010s, George St-Pierre is best known for his second UFC welterweight title reign that lasted almost five years. It’s also worth mentioning that George St-Pierre has defeated every opponent he’s fought throughout his professional career.
George St-Pierre Shockingly Leaves The UFC
In late 2013, George St-Pierre would defend his UFC welterweight championship belt against top contender Johnny Hendricks at UFC 167. That match with Johnny Hendricks would be the final title defense of George St-Pierre’s second UFC title.
George St-Pierre defeated Johnny Hendricks in one of the most highly competitive bouts of his second title reign, ending in a Split Decision. However, during a post-fight interview, George St-Pierre shockingly announced he would take time off from MMA due to “personal issues,” relinquishing his title belt. George St-Pierre would take a four-year-long hiatus from fighting.
One of the reasons why George St-Pierre took a hiatus from MMA was the alleged use of performance-enhancing substances in the UFC. George St-Pierre alleged in a 2021 interview with Burt Watson(h/t MMA Junkie) that he became disenfranchised with the level of usage of performance enhancement from the fighters. He also stated he was suffering from depression.
George St-Pierre’s Comeback In 2017
In early 2017, George St-Pierre signed a new multi-fight deal with the UFC. His first fight back was against the reigning UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping. George St-Pierre’s return championship fight would also headline the UFC 217 PPV at Madison Square Garden. He would top Michael Bisping in the third round via submission, winning the UFC championship after a four-year absence.
George St-Pierre Retires On Top
George St-Pierre as UFC Middleweight champion opened up many possibilities. However, in December 2017, George St-Pierre vacated his Middleweight championship belt due to suffering from ulcerative colitis. After over a year of inactivity, George St-Pierre announced his retirement from MMA. Although he potentially missed out on big-money fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Nate Diaz, George St-Pierre retiring after winning the UFC championship is still one of the best career endings in MMA history.
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