GSP “Didn’t Have The Same Drive To Hurt The Guy” When He Left MMA

Former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre recently revealed another reason behind his decision to take a sabbatical from mixed martial arts: He lost the instinct to finish and hurt opponents.

GSP discussed that change in mindset in a recently released clip from the documentary “The Hurt Business”:

“Critics said I was fighting more to win instead of finishing the fight and it’s true. Toward the end, I didn’t have the same anger, I didn’t have the same drive to hurt the guy and to finish it. And it’s a fact. I tried to get it back, but it is very hard and I think the best way to get it back for me is step out, because it’s more an emotion thing.”

GSP has not fought since late 2013, but is training in preparation for a comeback. That return to the Octagon could happen Dec. 10 at UFC 206 in Toronto, although St-Pierre has yet to come to terms with the promotion on a new contract. 

Not everyone is convinced GSP will return to action. In July, UFC President Dana White went on record that he did not think St-Pierre ever would fight again.

GSP addressed his relationship with White as part of the documentary interview, saying, “Dana White makes a lot of comments, but Dana White always will do what serves him best on a business standpoint. He didn’t want me to leave like this. He wanted me to come back, to get people to tune in, to make me come back. But it was time for me to take a break.”

As for “The Hurt Business”, that documentary is slated for release Sept. 26. It chronicles the world of MMA through the perspectives of several top stars including GSP, Ronda Rousey and Rashad Evans. Kevin Costner provides narration.