After almost three years away from the Octagon, three-time UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre is ready to make his return.
Joining The MMA Hour Live with Ariel Helwani on Monday, St-Pierre revealed that he recently underwent a full training camp and wants to get back to competing in the UFC.
“Exactly. That’s what I’m saying,” the 35-year-old St-Pierre told Helwani when asked if he was announcing his return. “I’m ready.”
While the desire to fight is there, St-Pierre made it clear that no agreement was in place to make it happen. He said that his management team and the UFC are still in negotiations. He went on to point out that as a fighter in 30s, he knows his window is closing and the time to make a move is now.
“The clock is running. I’m not getting any younger,” he said. “I’m in the peak of my career and if there is a shot, there is another goal, another run, I better do it and do it quick, because it is time to do it now.”
The Saint-Isidore, Que., native also made it clear he’s interested in going up against some of the top names in the sport, like Conor McGregor and Michael Bisping.
“I won’t run after these guys, but if they call me out and if it’s what the fans want I know [McGregor] is a big draw,” he said. “I’m interested in fighting them and I think I can beat both of these guys.
“I always said, if I come back it’s for something very big. Bisping is the man to beat right now,” St-Pierre added. “The world doesn’t turn around me but if it’s a fight that the fans and UFC want to make, they’ve got my number, they can call my agent, no problem. We can organize to make it happen and make an agreement.”
St-Pierre’s all-time UFC record currently sits at 25-2. He last fought at UFC 167 against Johny Hendricks on Nov. 13 2013, beating him in a split decision.
