Georges St-Pierre, UFC Hall of Famer, receives frequent fight offers but cites a recent back injury and busy schedule as reasons for not returning to competition. He emphasizes the importance of competing on his own terms.
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Despite nearly nine years since he formally competed, UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre is still in high demand.
The former UFC middleweight and welterweight champion is one of the most dominant forces the sport has ever seen, and managed to escape gracefully on the high of a championship victory against Michael Bisping at UFC 217 in November 2017.
Chatter about a St-Pierre return has come and gone over the years. In 2022, he revealed his UFC contract had expired, allowing him to pursue any other combat sports venture he wanted. "Rush" still hasn't bit the bullet on any opportunities – until recently.
One of the many offers that landed on St-Pierre's desk piqued some interest, but a recent back injury has ruled the French-Canadian out of considering anything.
"I get requests maybe once or twice a month for either fighting in MMA, boxing, wrestling, grappling - whatever," St-Pierre told MMA Junkie. "I had another one for Hype. I just tweaked my back a few weeks ago, and I don't know if it's a disk or what it is. It's a lot better than it was, but I won't be able to compete this summer. Because also I'm also very busy. I'm not saying I'm never going to do it. Just right now, I'm starting this YouTube channel, and I have a lot of projects, and I want to be competing on my terms."
St-Pierre is the type who, if he's going to commit to something, will do so with full intent and professionalism. He turns 45 on May 19, though, and there's no guarantee his body won't betray him again.
With all that in mind, St-Pierre is only willing to consider anything from a grappling match to a wrestling match with RAF to a boxing match or even an MMA fight, unless he's comfortable with every aspect.
"I was stressed for a very long period of time in my life, and in summer I like to keep with my friends, my family to keep the freedom," St-Pierre said. "If I do it, it might be more in fall. Right now I have a lot of projects, and I'm too busy. It's not the right time for it now.
"I don't say no, just right now it's not the right timing and right now everyone is calling me like, 'Hey, can you do this?' I understand. Perhaps one day it will be better timing. Right now, I have other things that I prioritize."
To hear more from St-Pierre, check out his complete appearance on "The Bohnfire" podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
Georges St-Pierre is not returning to fighting due to a recent back injury and his busy schedule with various projects.
Georges St-Pierre receives offers for MMA, boxing, wrestling, and grappling, approximately once or twice a month.
Georges St-Pierre last competed in the UFC on November 4, 2017, when he won the middleweight title against Michael Bisping.
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Georges St-Pierre reveals fight offers, 'not the right time' to return