Georges St-Pierre, a former two-division UFC champion, knows the importance of retiring at the right moment. After defending his welterweight title against Johnny Hendricks at UFC 167 twelve years ago, he vacated the championship and stepped away from the octagon. St-Pierre made a notable return four years later, fighting Michael Bisping for the middleweight championship at UFC 217 in 2017. He claimed the 185-pound title before relinquishing it and officially retiring from combat sports.
St-Pierre recently shared his thoughts on retirement during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the passage of time for fighters, saying, "The temptation is always there but there's something you cannot beat. It's time. All we have in the world, sooner or later, we're going to lose it." He reflected on legacy and ego, stating that while fighters seek to build their legacies, they must also learn to disassociate from that ego once they retire.
St-Pierre encouraged fighters nearing the end of their careers to consider stepping back on their own terms. He observed, "There are a lot of guys, they don't know when to stop. They think they can beat time, but it's impossible. It's a cycle of life." He highlighted the need for fighters to value their health after retirement and to avoid risking their well-being by overstaying in the sport. "When you retire, you have another half of your life to live," he noted.
St-Pierre urged fighters to retire on their own terms, saying, "If you retire on a winning streak, they tell you 'pass the torch.' F\*ck that! Don't pass the torch. Retire on your terms, not on their terms." He concluded with a poignant reminder that, in a selfish sport like mixed martial arts, recognizing the right moment to step away is crucial for a fulfilling life beyond competition.
