5 Fights for Georges St. Pierre in the Welterweight division

UFC Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre is currently at the crossroads of his Mixed Martial Arts career. GSP has to choose between a superfight with Anderson “The Spider” Silva, and a record-breaking title defense against Johny Hendricks.

It is pretty clear St. Pierre is not afraid of no one, but what would be the best career choice for the French-Canadian champion? In case GSP decides to continue his amazing run in the UFC Welterweight division, here are five fights that could be waiting for him in 2013.

Oh, and as always, make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

1. Johny Hendricks

Epic Beard Man Johny Hendricks may not be the most charismatic fighter in the UFC Welterweight division, but he’s definitely the one with the meanest punching power in this incredibly stacked division. Many people don’t know Hendricks is 9-1 in the UFC, losing only Rick Story via Unanimous Decision back in 2010. Since then, Hendricks is on the tear, with five consecutive victories. Oh, and by the way, victory over Martin Kampmann was Hendricks’ fourth first-round TKO. All of a sudden, Anderson Silva might be the best option for St. Pierre.

2. Nick Diaz

This is the fight everyone wants to see. Like it or not, but Nick Diaz is in GSP’s head, and this can be resolved in one way only – lock them up inside the Octagon for five five-minute rounds. Unfortunately for Diaz, he’s not coming off a victory, and will most likely have another fight before going on a collision course with Georges St. Pierre. One way or another, Diaz is the most marketable opponent for GSP right now, other than Anderson “The Spider” Silva.

3. Rory MacDonald

Rory MacDonald is planning to turn 2013 into his breakthrough year, with sights on getting his first title shot in the UFC Welterweight division. However, there’s one problem – MacDonald is GSP’s close friend and training partner at the famous Tristar Gym in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. MacDonald recently stated he won’t sacrifice his friendship with GSP, and would consider a move up to Middleweight. The Waterboy is a huge 170-pounder, and could definitely fit in Anderson Silva’s division, but then again, he’s already close to a title shot at Welterweight.

4. Jon Fitch

It’s not a secret Georges St. Pierre considers Jon Fitch as his toughest title defense since winning the belt back from Matt Serra. Fitch got himself back into the winning column with a convincing performance against Erick Silva in Brazil, but  despite having an incredible record in the UFC, he’s still a bit far away from challenging St. Pierre for the title. Moreover, Johny Hendricks KO’d Fitch, and would get the nod if the French-Canadian decides to stay at Welterweight. GSP’s second encounter with Jon Fitch is still an interesting match-up, from so many different perspectives, and personally, I wouldn’t mind buying in on Pay-Per-View.

5. Jake Ellenberger

Ellenberger controlled the action against Martin Kampmann, right before becoming a victim of The Hitman’s extraordinary comeback. Still, Jake Ellenberger has an impressive record in the UFC, with victories against the who-is=who of the Welterweight division. Stylistically, Ellenberger’s wrestling and intimidating KO power could pose a serious threat for GSP’s reign as a champion. However, “The Juggernaut” needs a few more victorious before getting himself in the mix for a shot at the title.

Outer Photo: Scott Hirano