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Wednesday, Jan 15, 2014

Report: GSP Says UFC’s Stance on WADA Testing Contributed to Exit

St. Pierre

By FCF Staff

Several weeks ago, Georges St. Pierre cited personal issues and the intense pressure of being champion, as reasons why he vacated the welterweight title following UFC 167. Now, the renowned fighter has said the UFC’s stance on World Anti-Doping Agency accredited testing was also a factor.

While speaking to the French media in Montreal recently, St. Pierre was asked to comment on the support, or lack thereof, that the UFC gave his decision to undergo WADA testing heading into UFC 167. According to a transcription done by MMA Fighting.com, GSP responded:

“It bothered me enormously,” St.Pierre said in French.

“That’s one of the reasons why I stopped fighting. Not really to teach them a lesson, because that would also punish me. I wanted to do something for the sport. I love the sport. I see the direction it’s going, and I don’t think it makes any sense. This is stupid.”

St. Pierre decided to participated in additional drug testing for UFC 167, and proposed opponent Johny Hendricks do the same. Ultimately the two camps couldn’t come to an agreement on which program to use, and St. Pierre completed one overseen by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency.

UFC President Dana White criticized the two sides for the dispute that ensued, and argued that the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s testing was stringent enough.

St. Pierre added in the recent media scrum that “I tried to do something to change the sport” and “unfortunately, there were other people, for different reasons, maybe for money, in fear of losing money, because if you canceled the fight because someone tested positive there are millions of dollars [lost].”

GSP, who defeated Hendricks by split decision at UFC 167, also added that “if things change, maybe I’ll be back.”

Hendricks, meanwhile, will fight Robbie Lawler to determine the new welterweight champion on March 15th.

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 11:38 am
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