Georges St-Pierre advises Kamaru Usman to retire on top to preserve his legacy and maximize future opportunities, emphasizing the benefits for both health and business.
Georges St-Pierre, a legend in the welterweight division, recently shared some advice with fellow fighter Kamaru Usman.
Back in 2019, St-Pierre officially retired from MMA, closing his career with a memorable victory over Michael Bisping at UFC 217. This fight was not only a comeback after a four-year hiatus but also a triumphant farewell.
With a stellar 26-2 record, avenging both losses, St-Pierre is celebrated as one of the sport’s greatest. During a chat with streamer Adin Ross, he recounted a conversation with Usman about optimal retirement strategies.
“I was talking to Kamaru Usman,” St-Pierre shared. “He’s in his late 30s, and I said, ‘Man, I’ve been there. Are you going to compete again?’ Usman replied, ‘Yeah, I think I’m going for one more stretch.'”
St-Pierre advised, “If you want my advice, Kamaru, do what you’ve got to do. But get out on top. That would be the cherry on top.”
Usman, 38, recently snapped a three-fight losing streak with a win over Joaquin Buckley. His name still holds weight, and current champ Islam Makhachev has expressed interest in facing him.
St-Pierre never lost his welterweight title, instead choosing to vacate it in 2013. He hopes Usman can also exit on a high, preserving his legacy and setting himself up for the future.
“It’s better for your health and business,” St-Pierre noted. “When you leave as a champion, you might feel like you left money on the table, but that’s just ego talking.”
He added, “Opportunities arise because your stock is high. If you push too far and lose, your legacy and financial prospects might suffer. Time catches everyone.”
In the end, St-Pierre’s words offer a blend of wisdom and caution, urging fighters to think beyond the octagon.