For many UFC fans, Georges St-Pierre is the finest mixed martial artist to ever fight in the promotion.
So when the Canadian was spotted in the crowd at UFC 196, it was an invitation for ambitious rumours and unbridled excitement.
Dana White admitted at the time that “discussions” had begun, though suggestions of a match-up with Conor McGregor at UFC 200 would prove to be a little wide of the mark.
The smart move after White’s comments was to wait for GSP himself to speak up…and now he has done just that.
Speaking to French-language publication RDS, the 34-year-old said he remains “on good terms” with the promotion and that “anything can happen”.
But St-Pierre, who last fought in November 2013, confirmed that a few sticking points remain over a proposed return, and that any official announcement will come from UFC and not from him.
“There are many things, but I will not go into details,” he said.
“My contract is very old, it was done even before Reebok entered the UFC, so there are several things that come into play.”
But considering the tensions over the current Reebok exclusivity deal – tensions which were a factor in former lightweight champion Benson Henderson making the switch to Bellator – there could be some way to go.
So, as things stand, it seems the man from Montreal remains locked in negotiations, with no indication that he will definitely return but no suggestions that he’s definitely ready to walk away.
If GSP does step back into the Octagon, UFC 200 is not being ruled out, though he has said himself there is “no need” for his comeback to happen as soon as July (if it happens at all).
“We will see what will happen, again there are things I can not say,” he added.
“It depends on the level of my agents and the UFC, we will see what is best for us and for them. “
