Rory MacDonald On GSP Returning To MMA: He’s Not Coming Back For Belt

Rory MacDonald (18-3) is close to former UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and during a recent interview, MacDonald claimed not to know if Pierre would be returning to the sport of MMA. He did, however, make it clear that if Pierre did ever return, he’d be ready.

“He was a champion for many, many years at the top of the sport,” MacDonald told MMAjunkie. “If he decides he’s ready to come back, he’s ready. I have all the confidence in the world in him.”

When pressed for more information, MacDonald stated that he and Pierre do not talk about it much (a possible return), but did say that if Pierre did ever come back, it would not be for his welterweight title that he vacated after beating Johny Hendricks in a close fight back at UFC 167, which he won by split decision. Instead of a title fight, “GSP” would want to come back for an odd fight that interests him. Basically super fights that GSP was against while being an active fighter. A fight with Anderson Silva was heavily rumored, but never took place.

“From what we’ve talked about, he’s not coming back for the belt,” MacDonald said. “He’s coming back for the odd fight I think that interests him. … I don’t know if he’s coming back. But as far as I know, if he does, I think he’s more interested in super fights and whatnot.”

“Honestly I never talk to him about it,” MacDonald said. “Usually we just talk as friends and work and train, and I try to stay out of that. It’s his decision. He’s a smart guy.”

As far as MacDonald goes, he is reportedly scheduled to fight Hector Lombard in 2016 after losing to Robbie Lawler at UFC 189.