LAS VEGAS—Following a controversial win over Johny Hendricks in the main event of UFC 167, UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre told announcer Joe Rogan that he had to “go away for a little bit.”
Rogan pressed St-Pierre, asking him if he was announcing his retirement. St-Pierre’s retirement had been heavily rumored in the days leading up to his main event fight with Hendricks, which headlined the UFC’s 20th anniversary event at the MGM Grand.
“I have some personal things to take care of,” St-Pierre said. “I have to go away for a little while.”
St-Pierre would not commit to retirement, but it was clear from his demeanor that he doesn’t plan on coming back to the Octagon any time soon.
Both men seemed confident they’d won the fight when the final bell rang, with St-Pierre’s trainer Firas Zahabi picking the champion up on his shoulders while Hendricks circled the Octagon with his arms raised.
But Hendricks’ demeanor noticeably changed when the split decision was announced, awarding the fight to St-Pierre.
Hendricks, visibly upset after the split decision was announced, said that he didn’t care if he had to go through St-Pierre or someone else to get the title. Hendricks said he won the fight, and the audience at the MGM Grand agreed with him. But Hendricks swore that the next time he fights for the championship, the result will be different.
“I swear to God, that’s not going to happen again,” Hendricks said.
With the win, St-Pierre moves to 25-2, while Hendricks falls to 15-2.
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