Anderson Silva On GSP: If He Feels Like This Is His Time, We Have To Respect Him

The MMA world has been abuzz with rampant speculation ever since former longtime UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre stated that he’d be taking some time off from the sport following his controversial split decision win over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167.

GSP added fuel to the fire when he officially vacated the belt last Friday, stating that he had become so obsessed with fighting that he simply had no time to live a normal life. That’s understandable, as being the best certainly takes a toll on one’s body and mind. The rewards come with a price, a price that St. Pierre was no longer willing to pay.

And someone who knows a thing or two about that has come to his defense.

Set to take on Chris Weidman in a pivotal rematch at UFC 168 December 28, former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has a ton of respect for St. Pierre.  Silva spoke up at a UFC 168 conference call to discuss his feelings about GSP stepping away:

“I think that everyone knows their right timing and the moment they’re living. You have to respect Georges St-Pierre for everything he’s done in the sport. If he feels like this is the correct time, we have to respect him. Everyone knows their time they have to retire or take a moment to step away.”

Many were quick to believe that it was Silva who should take time off after his shocking knockout loss to Weidman at UFC 162 this summer. While “The Spider” was immediately booked in a rematch, we’ll have to wait and see if a motivated Silva shows up and reclaims the belt that many feel is rightfully his.

If he doesn’t, you can bet that people will suggest Silva should go GSP’s route.

The blockbuster bout between Silva and Weidman is truly unpredictable in that it could go either way, with much of it hinging on Silva’s readiness to actually fight rather than clown around. Weidman and his team believe that Silva will go back to his old antics during the second fight. Silva’s dangerous taunting style is what got him to the lofty position he enjoyed for many years, and it’s also what got him floored in devastating fashion.

Regardless, Silva showed class in giving GSP his due and his space. Perhaps the rest of the mixed martial arts world would be well served to follow his lead.