Reebok Deal reportedly among stumbling blocks in GSP return
“There are many things, but I won’t go into detail. My contract is very old. It was done even before Reebok entered the UFC, so there are several things that come into play.”
Former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre hasn’t fought since 2013, a Fight of the Night winning split decision over Johny Hendricks capping an incredible 12-fight win streak. GSP cited the pressure of being on top as what drove him away; Anderson Silva said something nearly identical about being on top of the middleweight division for so long.
GSP’s remarks on why he stepped out evolved, and he spoke out strongly about the use of PEDs in MMA. That problem has been addressed hard by the UFC – a drug czar was appointed, and USADA brought in to do random, comprehensive, out of competition testing.
GSP is now in negotiation with the UFC, and in an interview with the French language RDS, the fighter noted several further sticking points, including The Reebok Deal.
RDA reports that sponsorship is “currently one of the main points of dispute, whereas before, it was the quality of drug testing that was the subject of the friction between the two parties. The UFC banned athletes from wearing on their jerseys any logos other than that Reebok with a few exceptions, such as Monster energy drink.”
The article also quoted from the fighter directly.
“I am not able to tell you a scoop, if there is any news it is the UFC that will decide to release it,” said St-Pierre, as translated by John Nash forBE. “I can say that I am on good terms with them. But we sometimes do not agree on some things.”
“There are many things, but I won’t go into detail. My contract is very old. It was done even before Reebok entered the UFC, so there are several things that come into play.”
“Doesn’t need to be [UFC] 200. I know it will have Conor McGregor who will be fighting against Nate Diaz, and with that they will already have a good card.”
“We will see what will happen, but again, there are things I cannot say. It depends on the plans of my agents and the UFC, We will see what is best for us and for them.”
GSP also maintained that his appearance at McGregor vs. Nate Diaz was not a plan to call out ‘Notorious’ that was thwarted by the loss. He said he was just there to have fun with some friends.