The big news a couple weeks ago was that the fight between Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping was scrapped. This begged the question: who will GSP return against? Well, Dana White came out recently and gave us that info. Apparently, GSP’s return to the UFC will be against the welterweight champion (whoever it is at the time).
Honestly, this isn’t too surprising, and it’s probably what the UFC should have done to start with.
Welterweight Title Picture
UFC champion Tyron Woodley defended his belt against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC 209. Even though it was a lackluster affair, it was Woodley’s second title defense. Meanwhile, top contender Demian Maia has been doing everything needed to get himself a title shot. It’s probably long overdue, but you can totally expect Maia to be fighting Woodley sometime this summer.
Demian Maia recently defeated Jorge Masvidal via split decision at UFC 211 just a couple weeks ago. Masvidal was his 7th win in a row, most of those opponents being top ranked fighters. Maia sustained some damage in the fight, but nothing too severe.
I think if he wanted to he could probably fight at UFC 213, or some other time in the summer. As of right now, UFC 213, International Fight Week, is in dire need of a big main event (especially with one of its title fights – Garbrandt vs Dillashaw – in serious jeopardy). Hopefully the UFC can book Woodley vs Maia for that event, but it might be too little notice.
Nevertheless, expect GSP’s return to be against whoever wins that fight. Back when GSP was scheduled against Bisping, he said he would be able to return in October or after. That means Woodley and Maia can happen in the summer, and the winner can face GSP upon return in the fall.
Middleweight Tite Picture
So where does that leave us at middleweight? Bisping was supposed to defend his title against GSP in a ridiculous money fight that made no sense. Thankfully, that is no longer reality, and we actually have a little bit of clarity.
Yoel Romero is the obvious number one contender in the division. He has KO wins over Tim Kennedy, Lyoto Machida, Chris Weidman, and a decision win over ‘Jacare’ Souza. He’s the man to fight Bisping for the title. However, apparently Bisping can’t fight this summer as he has a knee injury.
This means an interim title is likely (ugh).
Dana White mentioned that Yoel Romero would probably face Robert Whittaker for an interim belt; the winner fights Bisping when he’s ready.
I like this match up, but I am a little interested why Luke Rockhold isn’t being considered for this fight. I know the UFC and Rockhold are having beef with each other – maybe that’s why. Nevertheless, you can probably count on Rockhold fighting Gegard Mousasi instead. All of these match ups are fantastic, and middleweight is in a really good spot right now. We just need these fights to get booked.
Interim Title
I think we’re all sick of interim belts being thrown around, but in this case, it’s very appropriate. Initially, you had Bisping vs GSP holding up the division while top contenders sat idle. But now, there’s some clarity and direction in the division. Unfortunately, because Bisping is unable to fight, things can’t really progress forward. That’s why an interim belt, in this case, is appropriate.
I’m excited for all of this. No matter who GSP returns against – Woodley or Maia – they’re interesting match ups. I also really like the idea of Romero and Whittaker squaring off. Bisping can sit idle, heal up, and get destroyed by the winner.
