In an interview with TSN on Wednesday, St-Pierre (26-2 MMA, 20-2 UFC), a former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion, opened up about the mental conflicts he encounters when considering another octagon return.
“Why step back in? But why not step back in?” St-Pierre said. “We only live once. That’s the question that I’m facing now, you know? If I have an opportunity to do it and all the stars align and I don’t do it – because I’ve still got it now. I’d say I’m in my best years. Will I regret, when I reach 50 years? … I don’t know.”
If the bout were offered, St-Pierre wouldn’t accept a fight against Nurmagomedov at 155 pounds, he said. The uncharted territory of a catchweight is much more appealing to the 39-year-old.
“I haven’t cut weight for a long time,” St-Pierre said. “If I go down to 155, my performance will be compromised. I know Khabib is about the same size as me. He’s maybe bigger than me when he’s offseason. I never go up to 200. I’m at 185. That’s turned to his advantage. If we cut more weight, he’s able to bounce back more than I am. He’s used to it. I’ve never been a big fan of cutting weight. Even when I was a welterweight, I was 185. Most guys now are much bigger than 185.
“That’s one of the principles of the art of war. Know the terrain. I don’t know. I’ve never fought at 155. He knows, I believe, to make it fair, we need to fight in a place we’ve never been. Both of us. That would have to be a condition to me coming back if it happens.”