Georges St-Pierre is preparing for his highly-anticipated return to competition, and he has some intriguing options in mind. Instead of stepping back into the MMA cage, St-Pierre has decided to make his comeback in a grappling match at the upcoming UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6, scheduled for December 14th in Las Vegas.
This will be St-Pierre’s first competition since retiring from the UFC in 2017. In an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, the legendary fighter expressed his desire to not only participate in the sport but also contribute to the growth of the UFC’s grappling endeavors.
St-Pierre shared his enthusiasm for jiu-jitsu and grappling, explaining that it’s a more accessible sport for a broader audience. Unlike MMA, which may deter some due to the risk of brain damage, grappling can be enjoyed by many. The UFC’s venture into grappling motivated St-Pierre to join and support their promotion, with hopes of witnessing its evolution from small shows to grand arena spectacles.
As one of the most accomplished MMA fighters in history, St-Pierre’s return is highly anticipated. While the date is set, his opponent is still undetermined. St-Pierre acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding weight classes and rulesets but emphasized that the most crucial aspect is finding an opponent and situation that captures the fans’ interest.
Although the specifics remain unknown, St-Pierre expressed his preference for facing a veteran of MMA or someone from the MMA world rather than a grappling specialist. He believes this would be beneficial for himself, the promotion, and the audience. While grappling isn’t his specialty, his versatility as a well-rounded fighter has always been his strength. Now, at the age of 42, he aims to enjoy the experience, entertain the fans, and train diligently as if preparing for an MMA fight.
Upon the announcement of St-Pierre’s return, fans immediately speculated about a potential matchup with Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, St-Pierre doesn’t think this dream fight is likely to happen, considering Nurmagomedov’s retirement and absence from discussions.
Another name that has surfaced in fan wishlists is a rematch with former opponent Nick Diaz, a possibility that seems more realistic to St-Pierre. Recognizing Diaz’s formidable grappling skills and experience, St-Pierre expressed the need for thorough preparation if that matchup were to materialize.
Additionally, St-Pierre mentioned current UFC welterweights like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington as potential options. However, considering their fight schedules, it might not be feasible for them to compete in December. Nevertheless, St-Pierre emphasized that this return is not a one-time event and expressed his intentions to have multiple matches. He sees this as an opportunity to test his skills in unfamiliar territory and embrace the challenge of stepping outside his comfort zone.
Georges St-Pierre’s comeback promises to be a thrilling event for fans and an opportunity for the legendary fighter to explore new avenues in the world of grappling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about grappling comeback
When is Georges St-Pierre’s return to competition scheduled?
Georges St-Pierre’s return to competition is scheduled for the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6 on December 14th in Las Vegas.
What type of competition will Georges St-Pierre be participating in?
St-Pierre will be participating in a grappling match, showcasing his skills in jiu-jitsu and grappling.
Why did St-Pierre choose grappling over MMA for his return?
St-Pierre expressed his love for grappling and jiu-jitsu and believes it is a sport that is more accessible to a wider audience. He also wants to help the UFC in their efforts to promote grappling and expand its presence.
Has St-Pierre announced his opponent for the upcoming match?
No, St-Pierre’s opponent for the grappling match has not been announced yet. He mentioned that it should be someone from the MMA world rather than a specialized grappler.
Will this be a one-time event for St-Pierre?
No, St-Pierre intends to have multiple matches and sees this return as an opportunity to test his skills and venture into new territory.
Is a rematch with Nick Diaz a possibility?
Yes, St-Pierre mentioned Nick Diaz as a potential opponent and expressed interest in a rematch, acknowledging Diaz’s grappling experience.
Are there other fighters St-Pierre mentioned as possible opponents?
St-Pierre also mentioned Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington as potential opponents, but their fight schedules may affect their availability for the December match.
Is a matchup with Khabib Nurmagomedov likely?
St-Pierre doesn’t believe a matchup with Khabib Nurmagomedov is likely to happen, as Nurmagomedov has retired and his name wasn’t in the discussions for St-Pierre’s return.
More about grappling comeback
- Georges St-Pierre Returns to Competition in Grappling Match
- Georges St-Pierre Talks About His Return and Grappling Endeavors
- Georges St-Pierre Teases Potential Opponents for His Comeback
