Georges St-Pieree is back in the UFC, and he's looking to make history upon his return.
The Canadian phenom initially retired from mixed martial arts (MMA) competition back in 2013 on a 12 fight win streak which included nine consecutive welterweight title defenses. After a highly controversial split decision win over Johny Hendricks in 2013, St-Pierre initially retired from the sport but did leave the door open for a potential return down the road. That return became official earlier this year when it was announced that "Rush" had signed a fresh new multi-fight deal with the UFC and was set to face off against UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping in his debut at 185 pounds.
After a ton of controversy as to whether or not the fight would happen, it was finally made official for November 4th at Madison Square Garden at UFC 217 on pay-per-view (PPV). While all the controversy was emerging as to whether or not St-Pierre would fight Bisping, however, a new champion emerged at 185 pounds.
Robbert Whittaker defeated Cuban powerhouse Yoel Romero in the main event of UFC 213 to win the interim middleweight title and punch his ticket to a unification bout with whoever the middleweight champion may be down the road. St-Pierre recently took to The MMA Hour to discuss his upcoming fight against Bisping for the middleweight title, and commented on what would be next for him if he was to win the title.
While he admits it wasn't his initial plan, it is written in St-Pierre's fight deal that if he wins the middleweight title he will have to fight Whittaker next in a unification bout (quotes via MMA Fighting):
“I have to defend my title,” St-Pierre said. “It’s written in my contract. I have to defend my title if I win.”
“That wasn’t my initial plan, but I understand the UFC’s point of view,” St-Pierre said. “They want to protect their titles. They don’t want to delay the defense of their titles, because they don’t want to make people wait.”
“I wanted my risk to be worth it,” St-Pierre said of fighting Bisping. “I wanted to try something that I never attempted before. For me, fighting Michael Bisping is the most rewarding thing I can do right now.”
What are your thoughts on St-Pierre having to defend against Whittaker if he wins the middleweight title? Have YOUR say in the comments section below!
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