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Every UFC welterweight champion who puts together an impressive run will draw comparisons to the greatest 170-pound fighter of all time, including reigning division kingpin Kamaru Usman. Perhaps that’s why “The Nigerian Nightmare” called for a legacy showdown against Georges St-Pierre.
Not happening.
“Rush” was flattered by the invitation and told TMZ Sports that he’s a great admirer of Usman, but also conceded that he’s too healthy (and too wealthy) to be lured back to cage fighting as he inches closer to his 40th birthday.
“I’ve done it for a very long time, and unfortunately in my sport there’s too many guys that retire too late, and I do not want to be one of these guys,” St-Pierre said. ”I’m very fortunate. I’m healthy, most importantly. I’m also wealthy. I came at the right time, I made a lot of money. When I measure and calculate the pros and cons, it’s better that I stay retired.”
St-Pierre (26-2) already came out of retirement once — as a middleweight — and captured the 185-pound title from Michael Bisping back in late 2017. Unfortunately for fight fans, “Rush” surrendered his strap before getting the chance to defend it against Robert Whittaker.
As for Usman (17-1), he’s just a few weeks removed from his victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 and is likely to make his next title defense against surging welterweight contender Gilbert Burns at some point later this year.