The day after his announced return to competition, Georges St-Pierre wanted to lower expectations of him. For him, it’s all about promoting his favorite discipline, rather than striving for the highest peaks like in his glory years in the UFC.

As he announced the day before, he will perform in Jiu-Jitsu at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6 on December 14.

This is a branch of mixed martial arts in which athletes engage in hand-to-hand combat rather than hitting each other.

“I want to be clear that this isn’t a return to mixed martial arts, it’s a completely different thing,” he said in a phone interview with The newspaperwaiting for her flight at Las Vegas airport.

“We’re talking about a different form of combat that’s very specialized. The risk of injury is reduced, as is the risk of head damage. The brain is the control center that governs your actions and emotions. It’s very important for me to stay healthy at this level and keep doing sports. I think it’s a safer way. I’m still in good shape and it’s fun to train for a challenge.”

No big goals

The one who went by the acronym GSP had a phenomenal career in the octagon with a 26-2 record. He was also a two-time welterweight champion of the world, winning the middleweight title in his last fight in 2017.

Despite knowing his name is synonymous with UFC glory, Saint-Isidore is proud of his future aspirations.

“I don’t want to fight anymore to prove I’m the strongest man in the world. Also in this discipline [jiu-jitsu]My goal is no longer to be the best in the world. I know that there are young people who have specialized in it, who can do exactly that and who are better than me.

“I was champion in MMA. THE wrestle it’s just a part of MMA. I will host some fights to promote the sport. Yes, I am competitive and I want to win. We’ll see how it goes, but I’m under no illusions. “I’m 42 and I’m not aiming for a world championship,” he said.

A promotional mission

Above all, St-Pierre wants to spread the word about the form of combat that has always inspired him the most. He believes there is a real appetite at this level.

“I want to compete against MMA players so that people get curious and I can promote the sport. There’s a lot of demand and I’m happy to be a part of it,” he said.

According to him, this fighting technique deserves to be known in society.

“Anyone can do this sport as it doesn’t involve hitting your head and it’s a great way of self-defense. It’s a big challenge to popularize this sport.

“It can be very violent because you’re manipulating the joints of the body, but it can also be a control sport. When I was a bouncer, I used these techniques to overpower people without hurting them. It can help many people who work in security,” he said.

The December 14 opponent is yet to be announced but the Quebecer expects the news to be announced in the coming weeks.