Georges St-Pierre Says UFC's Leniency with Drug Testing Influenced Break

Georges St-Pierre recently admitted that his decision to take a break from MMA was influenced in part by hard feelings toward the UFC. 

Before his last fight inside the Octagon at UFC 167 against Johny Hendricks, GSP butted heads with both the promotion and his opponent over the lack of stricter drug-testing regulations leading up to the bout. 

When the dust settled from this quarrel, St-Pierre underwent additional testing through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), while Hendricks declined. 

In an interview with La Presse on October 9, the Canadian superstar said that he was "very disappointed" with the UFC's lack of support for him during this debacle. On Tuesday, he offered the following statement, via Sportsnet.ca:

"

It bothered me greatly, it was one of the reasons I decided to step aside. ...I tried to change things, and unfortunately, maybe for money reasons, maybe for image, they were not ready to do that. I tried to (bring about) change in a very diplomatic way and it didn’t work so it’s unfortunate, but I believe it will happen sooner or later.

"

According to Sportsnet, GSP's comments were not made to point fingers at any fighter for steroid abuse. Rather, the longtime UFC welterweight champion was simply campaigning for stricter regulations and a cleaner sport moving forward.

St-Pierre would go on to win his bout with Hendricks at UFC 167 via split decision despite his unhappiness surrounding the conditions leading up to the fight.

Since stepping away, St-Pierre told the Ottawa Sun that "there is a chance" he will return to action, but for now he is enjoying his time away from the cage.