How Old Was Gsp When He Retired

Okay, let’s be real—when you think of Georges St-Pierre, you don’t think of a guy who struggles with his taxes or worries about his lawn. You think of a superhuman who made grown men weep with a single jab. So, the question “how old was GSP when he retired?” feels almost like asking how old is a mountain when it decides to stop erupting. But the answer, my friend, is 36 for his first retirement, and a sprightly 37 for his spectacular, confusing, and glorious second act.

Let’s break it down, because GSP didn't just retire once—he did it like a rock star, with a farewell tour and then a surprise comeback. His first retirement was in December 2013, right after a brutal win over Johny Hendricks. He was 32 at that time if you count from his birth in May 1981, but he actually hung up his gloves for the first time at 32, not 36. Wait, hold on, I need to do the math with my fingers and toes here.

The First Goodbye: Age 32

So, in late 2013, GSP was 32 years old. That’s young enough to still eat pizza without consequences, but old enough to realize that getting punched in the face for a living is a questionable career choice. He walked away as the welterweight king, citing personal issues and exhaustion. And honestly, who among us hasn’t wanted to quit their job after a particularly stressful Tuesday?

That retirement lasted about four years, which in fighting time is like a glacier melting—slow, inevitable, and leaving everyone confused. He didn’t have a “bad” loss; he just decided he was done. But then, like a cat that misses the spotlight, he came back in 2017 to fight Michael Bisping for the middleweight title. That’s when the age question gets spicy.

The Comeback Kid: Age 36

When GSP stepped back into the Octagon in November 2017, he was 36 years old. That’s ancient in MMA years, where most fighters are considered “old” at 33. He beat Bisping with a rear-naked choke that was so smooth it should be illegal, and then he did something even more shocking: he immediately retired again.

So, to answer your burning question directly: GSP was 36 when he retired for good—if you ignore the weirdness of his earlier pause. He was 32 for the first retirement, 36 for the second, and then he officially, 100%, no-take-backs retired in 2019 at the age of 37. It’s like he couldn’t make up his mind, but that’s okay; we love him for it.

Let’s put that into perspective. Most people at 36 are arguing about 401(k) plans or trying to remember where they left their glasses. GSP was choking out world champions and then casually announcing he was going to go play with his dogs. It’s honestly inspiring and a little bit rude.

Why Age Didn’t Matter (Because It Never Did)

The funny thing is, GSP’s age was never really the issue. He wasn’t a guy who relied on speed or raw power—he was a tactician. He beat you with his brain, not just his fists. At 36, he was probably smarter than he was at 26, which is terrifying for his opponents.

"There are no tears": GSP announces his retirement from MMA - YouTube

He retired because he wanted to, not because he had to. That’s the ultimate flex. Most athletes retire because their bodies give out, or they get cut. GSP retired because he looked at his bank account, his legacy, and his aching joints, and said, “You know what? I’m good.”

And for the record, he’s 43 years old now (as of 2024), and he still looks like he could beat up a bear. If you see him in a grocery store, don’t challenge him to a cart race. You will lose.

The Real Lesson from GSP’s Retirement

So, what do we learn from this? Age is a number, but also, don’t be a hero. GSP walked away on his own terms, twice, and that’s the mark of a true champion. He didn’t wait for the sport to leave him behind; he told the sport, “I’m leaving you, but I’m leaving you in the dust.”

He proved that you can be 36 and still accomplish your wildest dreams, whether that’s winning a belt or finally fixing that squeaky door at home. The man is a legend not because he retired early, but because he retired right—with a smile, a full head of hair, and zero regrets.

So, the next time you feel old because you turned 30, or 40, or 50, just remember GSP. He was 36 when he decided he was done, and he did it while being the best in the world. You can totally switch careers, learn a new hobby, or finally start that podcast—age is just a number, and GSP is living proof that you can punch out of the game whenever you want.

Here’s to Georges—the man who retired so well, he did it twice, and still makes every other athlete look like they’re procrastinating. If you’re feeling old today, just remember: you’re probably not being asked to choke out a UFC champion, so you’re already winning. And if you are being asked to do that, well, good luck, and maybe invest in a neck brace. GSP is smiling somewhere, probably in a sauna, and that’s all that matters.