GSP Supposedly Confirms UFC Return – But There’s A Catch
Former long-time UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre constantly makes headlines regarding a potential return to action after vacating his coveted 170-pound strap back in 2013.
Every time it appears as if a possible comeback may be a reality, however, St-Pierre shuts it down, or leaves us with yet another question mark.
That may have just changed, as we have received the most definitive news regarding “Rush’s” anticipated return to action.
According to Benoit Beaudoin of French sports outlet RDS.ca, the Canadian superstar has begun negotiations with the UFC, although one road block remains (translated from French):
“Georges St-Pierre confirms negotiations with the UFC for his return. The sponsors are a stumbling point.”
St. Pierre also seemed to confirm that in the interview on site, but stopped short of stating he would he return to the Octagon:
“I am not able to tell you a scoop, if there is any news it is the UFC that will decide to release it. I can say that I am on good terms with them. But we sometimes do not agree on some things.”
Since GSP’s departure from the Octagon, the UFC has signed a highly lucrative deal with Reebok; a deal that has enlisted the sports apparel giant as the sole sponsor of the UFC. Fighters are now unable to represent outside sponsors at promotional events, nor are they able to do so inside the cage on fight night.
While this deal was intended to turn mixed martial arts into a more ‘professional’ sport, it has ultimately took quite a nice chuck of change away from some competitors.
With that being said, St-Pierre, who is a veteran of 21 UFC bouts, would receive a $20,000 sponsorship payment from Reebok, a significant amount less than he was making back in his glory days.
As of now, no word has come from the promotion regarding this news, although St-Pierre fighting once again would undoubtedly be monumental.
The all-time great hasn’t competed since a highly controversial split-decision victory over Johny Hendricks back at UFC 167, but he remains at just 34 years of age.
