GSP says “Conor McGregor effect” changed MMA
GSP’s retirement seven years ago now allows the former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion to inspire the next generation.
St.-Pierre hosted a Q&A and info seminar at the Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA gym in Thailand, where he helped mentor and train 203 participants on January 19.
Image credit: © Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA
GSP discusses Conor McGregor, UFC return
GSP said that given his success in the Octagon, it’s only right he passed his knowledge down to aspiring athletes and people wanting to stay in shape by learning Muay Thai.
“I remember I wanted to change as a kid,” St-Pierre said. “I was looking at myself in the mirror, and I did not like what I was seeing, but I could see how I could change my environment. I had a dream of being someone different. The way to get out for me was through martial arts and karate. It helped me gain the confidence to carry myself differently.”
GSP was bullied in school, which is how he learned to defend himself and become mentally tough along the way. He said that before making rash decisions about any passion project, martial art, or life dream, knowing what that goal entails is important.
“I would say, first, close your eyes and ask yourself, really, if it’s what you want to do. Not if it’s what your parent, coach, or friend wants you to do,” GSP said. “If it’s truly what you want to do…because it’s not an easy path. This is the first step- to figure out if it’s really what you want to do with your life.”
As for the MMA fighters of today, GSP said the way the sport has evolved, it’s more than just about fighting. GSP was not a known trash-talker, putting respect above everything else.
“I think it’s the Conor McGregor effect,” GSP said. “Conor did a lot of great things for the sport. He brought the attention to a level that was never done before. However, I believe if you want to be attractive to an audience, you need to stay authentic to who you are because if you are not, it shows. Conor was great at what he did because he was authentic, but there are a lot of people who are not authentic, and it doesn’t look good.”
Regarding a return to the UFC, St.-Pierre, who went unbeaten from mid-2007 onward, is content with remaining retired.
It’s a rumor,” St.-Pierre said regarding a return to MMA. “I’ve never been offered a fight and have no desire to come back to mixed martial arts. I was supposed to compete in a grappling competition, but a recent injury has put a hold on that.”
St.-Pierre last fought in November 2017, defeating Michael Bisping to win a title in another weight division.
What are your thoughts on George’s St.-Pierre’s retirement? Should he reconsider a UFC return?
