GSP TIME OFF

Canadian mixed martial artist (MMA) Georges St-Pierre successfully defended his welterweight title in both bouts he contested in 2013, but will end the year without having the Gold around his waist. The last time this happened dates back to 2007.

On Mar. 16, coming off a “fight of the year” performance at UFC 154 the previous November, St-Pierre faced Nick Diaz at UFC 158 in what would be his eighth defence of the welterweight title.

Using his superior athleticism, St-Pierre cruised to a five (5) round unanimous decision win which will set up a much-anticipated title defence against number one contender Johny Hendricks.

While the victory over Diaz was standard issue dominance from St-Pierre, his Nov. 16 bout at UFC 167 against Hendricks was hotly contested and had a controversial finish.

Despite the fact that most people covering the fight scored the victory for the challenger and post-fight metrics, as well as St-Pierre’s face showed Hendricks was more effective, two of the three judges scoring the bout gave the advantage to the champion allowing him to leave with a split decision victory.

UFC president Dana White was irate after the fight even calling for the Nevada Governor to launch an investigation into the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

It was clear something was also wrong with St-Pierre when after the fight he said that he needed to step away from the UFC, causing speculation that he was going to announce his retirement.

Finally on Dec. 13, St-Pierre announced that due to personal issues which he did not reveal, he would be taking an extended break from the UFC as well as vacating the welterweight title he has proudly defended since 2008.

“I’m going to take a break. I need this,” said St-Pierre. “I need to have a normal life for a bit. I’ll feel better and come back stronger.”

Is the end of George St-Pierre’s career or just a pit-stop that will see him find his way into the UFC Hall of Fame and go down as one of the greatest to ever step into the Octagon.

Great Canadian who loves Canada’s National Winter Sport!!