Dana White Believes Rory MacDonald Wants To Fight Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre and Johny Hendricks will battle to decide the future of the UFC Welterweight division at UFC 167, but there is another battle on the same card that could have a big influence on the next challenger to the 170lb. strap. I’m talking about Rory MacDonald vs. Robbie Lawler.
‘Ares’ has already fought in a contender match against Jake Ellenberger, but the lacklustre win only landed MacD in a brawl with ‘Ruthless’ on the main card at 167. The topic has come up many times in the past, but once again the question is raised: Will MacDonald fight for the title while GSP is king?
Well, according to UFC President Dana White, MacDonald will soon change his tune once offered a title shot. Check out what White told reporters at the UFC 167 Media Scrum:
“This is my prediction,” said White. “I think if he beats Robbie Lawler, he’s going to move out of Georges’ house, and I think things are going to change. I think this is the fight for him that’s going to put him in the direction of fighting GSP. I think if he wins this fight, he’s moving out, he’s leaving his own place.”
It’s easy to sit back and speculate before the match has even gone down, but White’s words on these matters are often well informed. White continued:
“”You can’t see that this kid wants to fight Georges St-Pierre?” White said. “He’s living in Georges St-Pierre’s house. What you don’t do, is you don’t say you want to fight this guy. That’s like saying I don’t want to punch the guy in the face whose house I’m living in.”
I’m starting to agree with White’s assessment of this situation, MacD is a great talent and it’s hard to imagine that he would refuse a title shot over a friendship with the champ; unless he feels like GSP has his number.
It’s certainly a tricky situation, if ‘Ares’ gets past Lawler at 167 and is offered a shot; turning it down could well prove a costly mistake. Waiting for title shots has often been a bad move in such a fast moving sport, and recent retirement rumours surrounding GSP were dispelled by his management.
“I know Georges St-Pierre,” said White. “I know what a professional he is, and I know, when has GSP ever not fought someone who deserved to be next? GSP has never been one of those champions who says ‘I don’t think this guy deserves to be fighting me.’ he says ‘Who’s next.’
Barring GSP’s fight with Nick Diaz, I completely side with White on this matter. MacDonald may paint himself in to a corner in refusing to fight his mentor, he cuts a lot of weight to get to 170; meaning 155 is unrealistic and he sacrifices his natural advantages at Middleweight. UFC 167 will answer a lot of questions surrounding the 170lb. weight class, but will likely ask a few more on the way.
