Georges St. Pierre: Johny Hendricks Has The Edge At UFC 171; I Don’t Care Who Wins
Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie for USA TODAY Sports
Former longtime UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre famously left MMA in his rearview mirror after he vacated the belt following his controversial split decision win over Johny Hendricks at last November’s UFC 167.
While different rumors swirled regarding “GSP’s” absence from the sport, ultimately St. Pierre said he was incredibly burnt out on fighting after focusing solely on it for the better part of the last ten years. He also believed that some things need to change in the UFC, and he won’t return until things unfold more to his liking.
He also doesn’t miss the grind of MMA, at least not for now. In a recent interview, The Canadian Press (via Sportsnet.ca) asked St. Pierre if he’d feel awkward when another fighter wins his long-held title:
“No, because it was my choice to give away the title. It was my choice so I don’t regret anything. I feel very good and I’m happy that I did it. I feel better now.
I don’t plan on coming back right now,” he said. “First if I come back, it will be when I want. I have a lot of things to do. And also a couple things need to change if I come back.”
St. Pierre sounds very content and at peace with his decision to take an extended leave. Meanwhile, the welterweight division moves on next weekend when Hendricks fights surging No. 3-ranked contender “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler for the vacant belt at UFC 171 in Dallas, Texas. It promises to be a hard-hitting affair, but St. Pierre thinks Hendricks will win because of his skills on the mat rather than the feet:
“It’s a fight where anything can happen. Both guys can put each other to sleep. They have a lot of power in striking, but I believe Hendricks has the edge in this fight because I believe he will come more well-prepared with his team and he’s got an edge in the grappling department.”
That’s a pretty fair assessment from the former champ, who knows what “Bigg Rigg’s” power can do. While many still believe St. Pierre lost at UFC 167, all he really has left to accomplish in MMA is beat Hendricks beyond a shadow of a doubt.
While he may attempt that happen one day, right now St. Pierre is content to watch the fight as a spectator:
“Whoever wins, I don’t care. I just watch it as a fan.”
