Georges St-Pierre to begin USADA testing for return to UFC
Georges St-Pierre has put the wheels in motion for his return to the UFC.
In an interview with Israel-based writer Ram Gilboa, St-Pierre said he's to begin the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) testing process Wednesday in Las Vegas.
Fighters who've been out of commission have to undergo four months of testing in order to return to active competition. St-Pierre, who's publicly voiced his disdain for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), said he wasn't looking to be exempted from the process like Brock Lesnar was in his return at UFC 200.
"I don't want to be an exception, because I was very outspoken about performance-enhancing drugs. It would be bad for my reputation if I would have an exemption - I don't want to have a free pass, I want to be like everybody else. That's why I'll be starting the process Aug. 10."
While the former welterweight king has yet to book a date for his return from a near three-year hiatus, he's confident he'll soon find an opponent now that he's made the first step toward eligibility.
"I don't have any fight yet, but it's gonna happen now, because I'm getting tested, if I'm getting tested it's for a reason."
St-Pierre revealed he was offered a middleweight title fight with division champion Michael Bisping, but negotiations fell through around the time the UFC was sold. Now that Bisping is expected to face Dan Henderson at UFC 204, the would-be Superfight is unlikely.
"I could fight 155, 185-170 is where I'm comfortable, better, and it is better for me. I could make a Superfight, but I don't (want) them to expect me to be fighting regularly at 185."
Former opponent Nick Diaz's name came up, with St-Pierre stating he'd gladly fight him again if fans got behind the idea. Diaz recently claimed he was drugged before their fight at UFC 158, but has yet to ask for a rematch.
"It seems to me to me like it's Nick Diaz that is running for another shot at me. I wouldn't mind, I'm not afraid of Nick Diaz, I'll tell you. I am telling you right now: If it's what the fans want to see, I'm in. I don't care if it's the first, or second, or third. If they want me to fight Nick Diaz it would be my pleasure. I don't mind, I am not afraid of Nick Diaz, I beat him last time, and I'll beat even worse, I'll beat him way worse next time that I'll fight him."
As for the actual USADA testing protocol, "GSP" said "it's getting better," adding results are sometimes slow to be released. In the event of a failed test, St-Pierre suggested a monetary penalty, say a fighter's purse, be added to the ensuing suspension.
"Because a training camp costs a lot of money. Mark Hunt, a lot of the guys when they're fighting - like me for example, I spend money. You spend money to make money and that's the idea of a training camp. When a fight gets cancelled because the other guy is cheating, there should be a penalty. The guys who('re) cheating should pay a purse not only because of the USADA but because of his opponent. Because the other guy spent a lot of money to get prepared - and time.
"I'm a very wealthy person now, but I remember the time I was not making a lot of money, it was hard. Whether is for PEDs or an injury, you lose a lot of money, and some guys don't have the means. But if you have enough money to spend on performance-enhancing drugs - because this thing is not free, these things cost money - you should have enough money to pay your opponent if you got cut using it. To reimburse him."
St-Pierre has not remained idle during his lengthy layoff. He said he's been training the entire time, making a point to clarify he never officially retired.
"I didn't retire. People have mistaken my break, I took a break from competition, it was because of mental problems, and because I was not agreeing with performance-enhancing drugs. I put the things on pause for a while, but I didn't retire. I took a vacation. I put things on pause. That's how I see it."
- With h/t to Bloody Elbow