UFC
Georges St-Pierre anxious for return, says injury layoff affirmed love of fighting
Apr 23, 2012 - 4:10:15 PM Georges St-Pierre anxious for return, says injury layoff affirmed love of fighting

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

When Georges St-Pierre suffered his second knee injury in a row earlier this year, there was a thought in some circles that he may not be motivated enough to come back as strong as has been. Some even felt he may use the injury as a precursor to exit the sport.

However, St-Pierre himself says if the injury has done anything, it's affirmed his love of fighting. At UFC 145 this past weekend cornering several fighters from the Tri-Star gym in Montreal, St-Pierre said he's anxious to get back into the cage as he rehabs from ACL surgery.

"Wherever it is, England, United States, wherever, I'll fight," the UFC Welterweight Champ said in an interview with MMAWeekly.com. "I'm just going to be happy to be back and fight. When you get hurt for a long time you're forced to get pulled away from training, and you're forced to stop doing what you like to do everyday."

"It makes you see things in perspective and I just want to get back. Wherever the fight will be, I will be glad to fight, I'm very anxious to come back."

When he returns, he'll take on Interim Champ Carlos Condit, a fighter affiliated with him through Greg Jackson, in a similar yet different situation as UFC 145's Jon Jones and Rashad Evans. However, the two were never actual training partners, and Jackson will remain neutral as the two prepare to square off.

"I don't lose anything [not having Greg Jackson in my camp] because he’s not going to be in Carlos Condit's corner either," St-Pierre commented.

Penick's Analysis: St-Pierre missing almost this entire year is certainly one of the more disappointing situations for the UFC and for GSP himself this year. Still, the fact that he may have a renewed urge to return as strong as possible is definitely a good sign, and if he continues on his current path of recovery hopefully that's what we can see out of him. He's been one of the very best fighters in the world for so long, now his fans can only hope he'll remain that way for some time.