It’ll probably be one of the more memorable days in MMA history. It’ll certainly be one of the more memorable moments. That is, of course, the day the now former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre announced he was taking an indefinite leave of absence from the sport of mixed martial arts and vacating the welterweight title.
He had the blessing of UFC President Dana White, who joined GSP on the call with the media. And on that call, White also announced that top contender Johny Hendricks would face Robbie Lawler at UFC 171 on March 15th for the now vacated welterweight strap.
Whatever it was, it wasn’t an announcement of a new mall or mall signing. This is how many UFC professionals and members of the MMA community reacted to the huge news.
Sounds like GSP is hanging up the gloves. I say the UFC: Ultimate Fighting Championship hosts an old school 8… http://t.co/8j633zcxff
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 13, 2013
In regards to GSP, I get it. Leave him alone.
— Coach (@CMPunk) December 13, 2013
Down goes GSP , Down goes GSP !!! #UFC
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) December 13, 2013
Any truth to the GSP retirement?
— Gerald Harris (@GHurricane) December 13, 2013
Clearly it has been very burdensome for GSP to be the champion. Obsesses mentally and finally seemed to hit a breaking point.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) December 13, 2013
“I chose to do this sport and now I choose not too. Mentally, it’s a lot of pressure. No one can understand it but me.” – @GeorgesStPierre
— UFC 360 Magazine (@UFC360) December 13, 2013
#BreakingNews #UFC Welterweight Title fight! @JohnyHendricks vs @Ruthless_RL in Dallas Texas.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 13, 2013
WHAT!!!!! Lawler for the title, he is 4-3 in his last 7. Condit got screwed on this deal.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 13, 2013
Thank you @GeorgesStPierre for being an amazing competitor and champion. Much respect and love. Good luck to you in our future endeavors!
— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) December 13, 2013
@GeorgesStPierre I admire you posture. You are a true champion I will miss your fights . go enjoy life u deserve champ
— Vitor Belfort (@vitorbelfort) December 13, 2013
Huge UFC news via GSP giving up the belt and walking away from MMA. Not an easy life being a champion. Some things ARE more important.
— Kenda Perez (@KendaPerez) December 13, 2013
so with GSP retiring, does Canada lower their flag to half mast? cc: @DamnDonkey
— Daniel Rubenstein (@dannyrube) December 13, 2013
I predict GSP will be back. It is one thing to quit when you are happy and content. It is another thing to quit when you have problems.
— Chatri Sityodtong (@YODCHATRI) December 13, 2013
GSP is a great success story, great career and all class, happy for him. Exit on his terms. Hendricks vs Lawler is going to be insane!!
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) December 13, 2013
“@tonykatz: Hendricks/Lawler for the welterweight title? Excellent. @patmiletich @danawhite #ufc” Love it!
— Pat Miletich (@patmiletich) December 13, 2013
GSP retiring is like when Jordan retired to play baseball. allows someone else to become the champ until he decides to come back. King GSP
— Ulysses Gomez (@uselessgomez) December 13, 2013
Spoke with #GSP & I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s in a great place right now. Hasn’t slept this well in several years. Enjoy my friend!
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 13, 2013
Was a honor to watch GSP all these yrs. You made a huge impact on the Sport. No matter what Anybody had/has to say you were a True Champion
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) December 13, 2013
Much respect for @GeorgesStPierre for having the awareness and the courage to step away from fighting. It was an honor calling your fights.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) December 13, 2013
A fighter can’t retire too soon, but they can certainly retire too late. GSP is a very smart man, and I hope many learn from his example.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) December 13, 2013
One of the reasons great fights are so amazing to watch is that every fighter’s time is limited. A brief moment in time to attempt greatness
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) December 13, 2013
GSP achieved not just championship level performances, but he set the benchmark for future UFC athletes to attempt to surpass.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) December 13, 2013