St.Pierre's trainer says Khabib's sovereignty can bring Canadians back to MMA

G. St-Pierre (right) could face K. Nurmagomedov (left). Photo: Montage SL/MMA Press

Since announcing his retirement for the second time, in 2017, Georges St.Pierre had not given any indication that he would be able to put on Ultimate gloves again. However, the possibility of a new challenge could change the former welterweight (up to 77kg) and middleweight (up to 83,9kg) champion's mind. According to the Canadian's trainer, Firas Zahabi, the athlete could return to the Octagon under the condition of a super fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov, lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.). In an interview with 'Fight Tips', the coach commented on how the Russian could influence his pupil's return to the sport.

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“I don’t think he’s retired yet. He's so competitive, that one day he'll see a guy that everyone thinks is unbeatable, and he'll want to come back. Khabib (Nurmagomedov) is one of those guys,” said Firas.

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The coach, however, tried to consider the possibilities, stating that Georges would not be willing to work in the division of the Russian, who is the lightweight champion. To carry out the confrontation, St.Pierre would have to undergo a severe weight cut so that he could be in a position to face the 'Eagle' on equal terms.

“It has to be a fight up to 75 kg. Will the UFC do this?” asked Zahabi.

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According to the coach, the Canadian no longer has the intention of holding an Ultimate title. The idea, then, is to hold a superfight in which no title is at stake.

“Georges doesn't want to be champion at welterweight anymore, because that means he would have to defend the title every three or four months, which I think that lifestyle is over for him,” he said.

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Nurmagomedov recently admitted that he may retire after completing 30 fights in his career. The athlete, who defends his title against Tony Ferguson in April, then, he should face the Canadian in his next match, after the dispute against 'El Cucuy'. Both the athlete and the Ultimate board showed interest in holding the show, however, confirmation came up against St.Pierre's conditions.