News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The UFC has indicated it will force Georges St-Pierre to see out his contract after the former welterweight champion announced he was a free agent.

St-Pierre, who last fought in 2013, made the announcement on Monday after talks broke down over a return at UFC 206 in Toronto in December.

But the promotion claims the Canadian star remains contracted to them.

A statement read: "Georges St-Pierre remains under an existing agreement with Zuffa, LLC as his MMA promoter.

“Zuffa intends to honour its agreement with St-Pierre and reserves its rights under the law to have St-Pierre do the same.”

(Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Hours earlier, St-Pierre had told The MMA Hour: "The reason I wanted to go back and fight is because I feel right now that i'm at my best.

"I'm truly confident I can beat the guys that are champions right now. I'm that confident.

"At least I'm a free man. Now, I know I'm free. I have other options. I'm not caught up legally with a contract. I'm a free man.

(Image: Ferrey/Zuffa LLC)

"To [come back], it would have been a win-win situation.

"I think now what happened with this situation, the biggest loser is the fans. I'm a loser. The UFC is a loser. Even the UFC is a loser. They would have made good money."

The former welterweight champion has not fought since he took a break from the Octagon three years ago.