GSP’s UFC return might be taking place later this year. The UFC announced they will be hosting UFC 206 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This seems all too appropriate for GSP’s UFC return. We know St. Pierre has been teasing fans about his seemingly inevitable return, but who should he face?
GSP vs Nick Diaz
This match up could be the most likely for GSP’s UFC return. Even though they fought in March of 2013, St. Pierre and Diaz are still the two biggest names in the welterweight roster. GSP handled Diaz with relative ease en route to a unanimous decision, but Diaz still doesn’t feel like he got a fair shake. Diaz’s career thus far has been nothing but big name fights and a lot of drama making this the ideal fight for him. It wouldn’t do much for furthering GSP’s career, but how much more can he really accomplish? It would be a great way for GSP to simply get his feet wet before he lunges into some thicker competition.
GSP vs Tyron Woodley
This is another likely scenario. GSP technically has not lost his UFC welterweight title, so it would make sense for him to have a chance to reclaim it. Woodley is one of the most dangerous opponents for GSP’s UFC return making it a difficult homecoming. However, it would be monumental if GSP could come back after three years away from the sport and regain his title. This is the fight Woodley needs in order to raise his stock. Even though Woodley KO’d Robbie Lawler in brilliant fashion, he’s relatively unknown among casual fans. A Woodley-headlined PPV event probably wouldn’t sell too well, but a fight with GSP could change all that.
GSP vs Anderson Silva
This was the superfight of 5 years ago, but there’s a real possibility of it happening. As we have seen, Silva is nowhere near prime athletic form. But even then, he’s good enough to beat Nick Diaz, and survive 3 rounds with Daniel Cormier. I wouldn’t expect GSP to be the prime Georges of old either, so I think these two could have a very competitive fight. They’re two of the biggest names still able to fight today, and would surely draw big numbers if they were to fight. So why not?
GSP vs Robbie Lawler
This fight may not be likely, but it’s the style match up that I would still love to see. It’s also the fight many of us had on our minds for the longest time. Unfortunately, Lawler ate Woodley’s dynamite right hand, and took his title away. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t rule this match up out; especially if the UFC has hopes for Lawler climbing back up the welterweight rankings. Lawler presents a very dangerous style match up for GSP; he has stellar takedown defense, and some of the best striking arsenals in the division. He has also headlined his fair share of UFC events. He’s no Nick Diaz needlemover, but he’s known to be a fan-friendly fighter who is must-see TV.
GSP vs Nate Diaz
We were discussing this fight several months ago after UFC 196 as being a possibility for UFC 200. While it may seem far-fetched now, there are several reasons why this would be a good fight to make. There’s a fantastic, built-in story line here with GSP beating the older brother, and now the younger brother is here to enact vengeance. Let’s not forget how big of a star Nate Diaz is after his two bouts with Conor McGregor. One could make the argument that Nate is even more well known than Nick now. How could that not sell over 1 million PPVs? Even though I see Nate Diaz being an easier time for GSP than Nick was, you can’t ever rule out a Diaz brother.
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