Georges St-Pierre recently admitted that his decision to take a break from the sport of MMA was influenced in part by hard feelings toward his employer, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Before his last fight inside the Octagon at UFC 167 against Johny Hendricks, GSP butted heads with both the UFC and Hendricks over the lack of stricter drug-testing regulations leading up to the bout.
When the dust settled from this quarrel, GSP underwent additional testing through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), while Hendricks declined.
The Canadian superstar said in an interview with La Presse that he was “very disappointed” with the UFC’s lack of support for its champion during this debacle, and now GSP said that this unfavorable situation played a part in his decision to step away from the sport.
Tuesday, he offered the following statement, via Sportsnet.ca:
It bothered me greatly, it was one of the reasons I decided to step aside. … I tried to change things, and unfortunately, maybe for money reasons, maybe for image, they were not ready to do that. I tried to (bring about) change in a very diplomatic way and it didn’t work so it’s unfortunate, but I believe it will happen sooner or later.
According to Sportsnet, GSP‘s comments were not made to point fingers at any fighter for steroid abuse. Rather, the longtime UFC welterweight champion was simply campaigning for stricter regulations and a cleaner sport moving forward.
GSP would go on to win his bout with Hendricks at UFC 167 via split-decision despite his unhappiness surrounding the conditions leading up to the fight.
Since stepping away, St-Pierre told the Ottawa Sun that “there is a chance” he will return to action, but for now he is enjoying the chance to relax and to enjoy his family, friends and free time.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com