Georges St. Pierre hasn't given any indication that he'd return to the UFC anytime soon, but with rumors swirling that he might be ending his hiatus next year the question of who his opponent will be arises.
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St. Pierre is currently rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in training. His head coach at Montreal's TriStar Gym Firas Zahabi revealed earlier this week that "Rush" expects to receive medical clearance to begin mixed martial arts training in October.
This past November, St. Pierre defended the UFC welterweight championship for the ninth consecutive time with a split decision win over Johny Hendricks. Following the win he said he needed to take time away from mixed martial arts and vacated the title, but he didn't officially retire. Since he never actually lost the belt, should GSP receive an immediate title shot if he returns? UFC president Dana White thinks so.
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"It would be tough to deny that GSP comes right back and doesn't fight for the title, you know what I mean?" White told UFC.com. "GSP can do whatever he wants. If he wants to come back and fight for the title, or if he wants a fight before that - he can do whatever he wants."
It's hard to dispute that, since St. Pierre reigned as champion for almost six years. He is one of the best UFC fighters of all-time, so it's understandable that White would leave the decision in St. Pierre's hands. He holds a win over Hendricks, who is now the current champion, so it would be impossible to say he is undeserving at a shot to reclaim his belt if he so chooses.
"It's always a huge debate on a guy who's had a career like GSP - to go out on top and walk away with the belt," White said. "That's a personal decision that a fighter has to make. Being the competitor that GSP is, I can't see GSP [walking away yet]. But that's up to him."
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