Coach on Why he Thinks “Ship Has Sailed” on Georges St-Pierre Cutting to 155

Despite the fact Georges St-Pierre is retired, talk about the possibility of him returning for a bout with Khabib Nurmagomeodov hasn’t gone away. But, according to his longtime coach, Firas Zahabi, if the Canadian star does return to the Octagon, he doesn’t see GSP competing at 155 pounds.

St-Pierre’s campaign for a fight with Nurmagomedov

For sometime, St-Pierre made it be known that he was interested in fighting Nurmagomedov, and that he’d be willing to cut to 155 as means to battle the UFC’s lightweight champ. Khabib also said that he wanted to face the legend.

UFC President Dana White, however, repeatedly shot down the proposed match-up. White cited the fact that St-Pierre never defended the middleweight title he took from Michael Bisping in 2017 (GSP vacated the belt due to a battle with ulcerative colitis). So, White’s issue was that if GSP won the lightweight title, he would likely just retire again. More recently, however, White has said that a bout between Nurmagomedov and St-Pierre could happen down the line.

Zahabi’s recent comments

Well, during a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Zahabi had this to say about St-Pierre, and the possibility of him returning for a lightweight fight.

“Right now I think the ship has sailed on 155,” Zahabi said. “I don’t think Georges will ever do 155. I think there was a time and place and window where Georges would make that sacrifice to do a mega-fight. But I think that window’s passed, personally.”

“He’s older now, and life is good,” Zahabi said. “He’s found a social life, a balance in life of training and family and friends. To leave all that to do a 155 is a big cost in terms of sacrificing energy and preparation. He would have to prep six months to get to that…

“I’m not talking for Georges. In my opinion he’ll only come back for a mega-fight. Like a mega-fight. No titles needed, either. Could be a title. I don’t think that’s really important to him. Like a mega-fight. Only those two names (Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor) that are the names big enough for him and enticing.”

There you have it, and chances are Zahabi’s right. Recently St-Pierre has also said he’s happy in retirement, and that he’s moved on from the possibility of fighting Khabib. It’s also worth noting that St-Pierre isn’t that far out from turning 39 year’s-old, which also raises doubts about his ability/willingness to make 155.

Would Khabib be interested in fighting GSP at say 165? Recently the champ’s said he intends to remain at lightweight. But, maybe if a catch weight fight with St-Pierre was tabled he’d change his mind?