UFC legend Chael Sonnen suggests that extreme weight cutting was the true cause of the early retirements of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre.
Khabib Nurmagomedov`s decision to leave the UFC in 2020, immediately after a decisive victory against Justin Gaethje, surprised many, especially since he was at the peak of his performance.
Likewise, Georges St-Pierre`s initial retirement in 2013 after defeating Johnny Hendricks was unexpected, given he was only 32.
Both fighters are widely considered among the greatest of all time, particularly GSP, known for his impressive records in the UFC welterweight category.
Chael Sonnen Links Retirements to Harsh Weight Cutting
Various explanations have been offered for their retirements. Nurmagomedov stated he had promised his mother he would not compete after his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagorov, passed away, as his father was always in his corner.
St-Pierre returned from his four-year hiatus in 2017, dominating Michael Bisping to claim the UFC middleweight title. However, he retired again soon after being diagnosed with colitis.
Nevertheless, despite the reasons cited by the fighters themselves, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen contends that severe and repeated weight cutting was the underlying cause.
According to Sonnen in a recent YouTube video, “The only reason you didn`t get Khabib to 30-0 is because you wanted to do it at 155lbs. Khabib and everyone would`ve stuck around, Georges St-Pierre, right on down the list.”
He added, “All the guys you`ve ever seen retire would`ve done one more if you would`ve let them go up in weight.”
Joe Rogan Advocates Against Weight Cutting in UFC
Weight cutting remains a significant concern not just in the UFC, but across mixed martial arts globally.
Athletes frequently employ hazardous techniques to lose weight, leading to potential health risks and causing fans to question fighters` optimal condition upon entering the octagon.
Prominent UFC commentator Joe Rogan has long described weight cutting as ‘sanctioned cheating’ and consistently advocates for the UFC to introduce additional weight classes to mitigate the practice.
Jack Thornley