UFC
Georges St-Pierre says lack of support on added drug testing for UFC 167 "one of the reasons" he stopped fighting [UPDATED]
Jan 14, 2014 - 5:45:00 PM Georges St-Pierre says lack of support on added drug testing for UFC 167 "one of the reasons" he stopped fighting [UPDATED]

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Georges St-Pierre had more than just personal issues influencing his decision to walk away from MMA. In a new interview with French Canadian site RDS.ca, the now-former UFC Welterweight Champion says the reaction he received from the UFC in attempting to lead by example on drug testing played a major part as well.

"It bothered me a lot," St-Pierre said (translation via Google Translate). "It's one of the reasons why I stopped. Not really to serve them a lesson, because it penalizes me too. But I wanted to do something for the sport that I love. I see the direction in which it goes and I think it makes no sense. This is stupid."

UFC President Dana White called the situation "stupid" when St-Pierre tried to bring further testing into his UFC 167 bout with Johny Hendricks. He tried to set up both of them with testing through VADA, but was vilified by paranoia from Hendricks' camp, as well as comments made by then Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer.

It all added up to nothing but trouble for St-Pierre, as he ran up against resistance that he chalks up to those in power losing money and the stain the sport could face with widespread testing.

"I tried to do something to change the sport," he said. "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]. Also, the sport's image ... If you start testing everyone, how many will get caught? I don't want to say in public because I don't want to accuse anyone, but the sport's image will be hurt.

"Don't forget, I have internal information. I'm an athlete. I know what goes on, so that disappointed me greatly... No wants to talk about [drugs in MMA], but I think we need to talk about it. It's a problem."

"I wanted to remain diplomatic, but unfortunately there were people who weren't ready to change things. I'm certain it's a question of time. And maybe if things change one day, I'll return"

Penick's Analysis: Clearly everything that happened prior to UFC 167 played into his decision. It really was ridiculous how Hendricks' camp, the UFC, and the NAC painted his attempts to bring extra drug testing into the fold, and it left him frustrated. And his frustrations are warranted given the rise of testosterone replacement therapy and the lack of comprehensive drug testing in the sport right now. On top of that, comments like this make it sound like he truly may not return to fighting. At least not until something changes.

[GSP art by Travis Beaven (c) MMATorch.com]

Updated with additional quotes from St-Pierre's media scrum today translated and transcribed by MMAFighting.com.