Classy Georges St-Pierre reveals he ‘would never dare’ ask Khabib to make retirement U-turn to let him mourn for father

GEORGES ST-PIERRE has admitted he "would never dare" ask Khabib to come out of retirement – to let him mourn for his father.

Russian Khabib, 32, who quickly dispatched American Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 last night, announced afterwards he had vowed to his mother he would retire if he took his unbeaten fight record to 29-0.

She had asked him to quit after the passing of his father Abdulmanap to Covid-19 earlier this year.

And St-Pierre, 39, showed his class as he rejected what would have been a mega-millions clash with Khabib – by rejecting offers to demand the Russian makes a U-turn and return to the ring.

Khabib's decision to quit means potential PPV record-breaking fights with Conor McGregor or a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather are now off the table.

McGregor is now set to fight Gaethje in January, possibly in Ireland.

St-Pierre, one of the all-time great UFC fighters, had previously said only a fight with Khabib would interest him.

But after Khabib announced his retirement, Canadian legend St-Pierre told ESPN: "Maybe normally I would but because of the circumstance I would never dare to do that.

"I would not want to be in his shoes. He is having a tough time. He needs to mourn his father. Because I respect Khabib this goes beyond sport.

"I just wish his family the best. He made a promise. I am a fan of Khabib and I'm pleased with the way he ended his career.

"I would have like to have organised a fight with him. But as a great what a great way to end a career and leave a perfect legacy to the world of sport."

Khabib beat American Gaethje with a second-round triangle choke hold at Fight Island last night.

He then revealed he had made a promise to his mother not to fight any more.

The Russian has revealed previously he has struggled with his mental health following the death of his father.

But he leaves a legacy – and having beaten McGregor in 2018 is arguably the greatest ever UFC fighter.

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