Former UFC champ hints at possible return in interview

While it was far from a commitment, fans of Georges St. Pierre once again have their collective hopes up for a return after the retired former UFC welterweight champion’s interview with Reseau de sports in his native Montreal last week.

St. Pierre, who vacated his title and stepped away from the sport shortly after a narrow decision victory over Johny Hendricks in November 2013, indicated he still has a desire to compete.

"I'm starting to get the feeling, more and more, to come back," he said in an interview translated from French by MMAFighting.com. “I watch the fights to see what's going on in my division, and I'm staying in shape. It's like a knife that I have to keep sharp just in case I ever decide to jump back in the mix.”

St. Pierre reiterated he’s still unsure when or even if a return could happen. It does appear the UFC’s recent move to year-round drug testing coordinated by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

One of the 34-year-old’s major complaints when he stepped away was the lack of true drug testing in the sport. He said in the interview that he has seen significant progress but there is still work to be done in that area.

UFC president Dana White has said several times he doubts St. Pierre, one of the biggest stars in the organization’s history, will ever return to action. St. Pierre, however, remains unwilling to close the door.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj