St.Pierre might not fight BJ until 2009

Fans (myself included) who were excited about a possible fight between current UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St.Pierre and UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn at the end of the year may have to wait till 2009. In an interview with rds.ca Georges St.Pierre talked about waiting a bit longer to take his next fight due to fatigue and needing time to recharge his batteries. Props to Zaph The Greay for the translation.

"I don’t know if I’ll be stepping back into the Octagon before 2009. I’ve fought four times in the last 12 months. I therefore need some rest. I like the life I lead, but I sometimes need to relax. It’s not the fight as such that’s exhausting; it’s all the preparation that comes with it. I’ve made so many sacrifices to prepare myself. During training camps, I practically do not live anymore. It’s therefore on a psychological level that I need to recharge."

This comes as a bit of a disappointment for those who have been clamoring for a rematch between the two fighters ever since their first fight at UFC 58. St.Pierre won the decision by a very narrow margin and many fans have been waiting for a rematch ever since his hand was raised as the victor. The one thing we do have to keep in mind is the fact that if St.Pierre is mentally and physically exhausted he should be allowed the proper amount of time to rest and heal. We wouldn't want him to take this fight at less than 100%. When the two do battle again both fighters being at their best is a "X factor" that can play a major role in who comes out the winner. It also leaves no excuses or reasons for possibly losing the fight, as many have bashed St.Pierre for doing after his loss to Matt Serra. We hope this fight happens and we get a set date soon to share with you.

Edit- I did not know the Zaph was the original source for the quote, all credit to Zaph for the find and translation.