6 Possible Opponents For Georges St. Pierre's Return To Grappling
6 Possible Opponents For Georges St. Pierre's Return To Grappling
Georges St. Pierre has announced his return to grappling. Which opponents may be next for the UFC legend's comeback?
Georges St. Pierre made big news in the grappling world when he announced his intentions to return for at least one more match, at a December UFC Fight Pass Invitational. Since then, there have been plenty of rumors and fantasy matchups for his opponent, with everyone from Michael Bisping to Gordon Ryan getting mentioned. While those matches have been publicly turned down, GSP still needs a partner for the comeback. Here are six potential opponents for that match, with the understanding that GSP will most likely face a current or former MMA fighter.
Matt Serra
Georges and Matt have one of the UFC's most unexpected rivalries, after Matt took Georges's world championship in a stunning upset in 2007. GSP would get his win back the next year in 2008 to become undisputed world champ, and never lots again in his career. Matt is a fifth degree black belt and an ADCC finalist in 2001, could a trilogy match be on the horizon?
Demian Maia
Demain is widely regarded one of the greatest grapplers MMA has ever seen, if not the singular best. The long-time UFC contender had a very successful grappling career before MMA, and has returned for several super fights since his UFC retirement. GSP has always been someone who embraces a challenge, and there would be no greater MMA fighter grappling challenge for him than Demian.
Leo Santos
Leo Santos has the distinction of being the only man on this list to submit GSP, and he did that in the opening seconds of the 2005 ADCC with a flying armbar. The 2-time black belt world medalist has enjoyed a reasonably successful UFC tenure, but a rematch against GSP could help gain him traction among fans - a chance for GSP to earn back his win.
Gunnar Nelson
The former ADCC standout-turned-UFC veteran Gunnar Nelson is an obvious choice for any grappling match for a welterweight like Georges. The Icelandic black belt fought in the 2009 and 2011 ADCC World Championships, defeating opponents like Bruno Frazzato, Jeff Monson, and David Avellan.
Philip Rowe
Philip Rowe is a current fighter who may fit the bill for a potential GSP opponent, especially considering Rowe's willingness to step up against tough tests like Gordon Ryan in a special rules match on WNO. If GSP wants to test himself against the current generation, then Phil Rowe is a great option.
Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz is one of GSP's most recognizable rivals, having gone to a five round decision for the UFC Welterweight Championship - one where Georges was ultimately victorious. Georges has said himself that the Nick Diaz match is the biggest they could make for December, a huge indication that they are angling for this rematch.