Future uncertain, legacy is not for Georges St-Pierre

Will time away from the octagon -- and away from the promotional whirlwind that seems to have swept him up -- bring about the peace of mind that might allow

Jeff Wagenheim | Dec 13, 2013

Future uncertain, legacy is not for Georges St-Pierre /

Georges St-Pierre's split-decision win over Johny Hendricks last month was criticized by many. — Georges St-Pierre's split-decision win over Johny Hendricks last month was criticized by many / Getty Images

Will time away from the octagon -- and away from the promotional whirlwind that seems to have swept him up -- bring about the peace of mind that might allow him to return? St-Pierre wavered on this, at times speaking like he'll definitely return, at other times sounding unsure. Of one thing he sounded certain, though: If there is to be a return, it'll come about the same way this departure did. "It has to be," he said, "on my own terms."

Published Dec 13, 2013

JEFF WAGENHEIM

Paradoxically, Jeff Wagenheim considers himself a pacifist (except when driving in traffic) but nonetheless writes about mixed martial arts, the world's most combative sport (other than driving in traffic). As a veteran of three decades in magazines and newspapers, he's a bit grayer than most who attend UFC fights, even along press row. (A fan watching an MMA media panel show recently referred to him as "that crazy hippie uncle," to which Jeff responds, "Groovy, man!") Wagenheim also has tackled pro football for SI.com, and writes about sports and the arts for The Boston Globe. When he's not on the road chasing the UFC, Jeff spends Sunday afternoons spinning Sleepy LaBeef and Boozoo Chavis records for a popular (but not pop) radio show in western Massachusetts.