Georges St-Pierre is back.
On Wednesday, UFC president Dana White told ESPN the former welterweight champion will meet Michael Bisping for the middleweight title in his return bout before the year is out. A date and venue have yet to be decided, although White has since told TSN Sports the bout will take place in Las Vegas and not in St-Pierre's native Canada.
GSP returned to the promotion on a new deal earlier this month, and will officially end a layoff dating back to November 2013 with his middleweight debut. The Quebec native's trainer Firas Zahabi had previously revealed he'd been eyeing intriguing matchups as opposed to a chance to regain the title he'd vacated after beating Johny Hendricks in a razor-close split decision at UFC 167, and he gets his wish in the middleweight king.
Bisping began a campaign for the megafight shortly after defending the 185-pound strap in a rematch with Dan Henderson this past October, with St-Pierre and Zahabi reciprocating the interest. "The Count" recently announced he planned to take on GSP first, then face top contender Yoel Romero - who White maintains will challenge for the strap next - in a quick turnaround should he emerge victorious. He'll now get to bring the first phase of his plan to fruition.
According to White, the UFC brass had not entertained a matchup between St-Pierre and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, whose name had also been posited among the litany of potential dance partners. for the legend's comeback bout.
The promotion will hold a press conference with GSP and Bisping on Friday in Las Vegas.
