White: Relationship with GSP never been better

Former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre has been in an extended negotiation with the UFC around his return. He declared on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour that he was a free agent. The UFC said “Oh no you’re not.”

St-Pierre said he met last week with UFC boss Dana White, and WME-IMG CEO Ari Emanuel. The fighter said he had made peace with White, but that they had not come to terms on a fight at UFC 206 in Toronto on December 10.

White expressed similar remarks to Dave Deibert, for the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.

My relationship has never been better with GSP,” texted White. “I’m glad we got together.”

White was asked how confident he felt that GSP would return to competition and in the Octagon.

“He’s under contract with the UFC so yes if he returns to fighting it would be with us,” texted White. That was a gentle reaffirmation of the UFC threat to take the matter up in court should St-Pierre try to fight outside the UFC. “Reserves its rights under the law to have St-Pierre do the same,” was the public pronouncement.

GSP’s attorney Jim Quinn said a central sticking point was the Reebok Deal. The fighter has a multi-million dollar endorsement deal with Under Armour, but the UFC requires Reebok apparel to be work exclusively in the Octagon and during fight week.

If anyone is going to break any contracts, it should be with Reebok. Casual fans may find the relationship positive, but the hardcore fanbase is not impressed.

GSP, one of the most popular fighters in league history has not fought since 2013 and wants to fight. He wanted to fight at the Rogers Centre.

UFC 129 took place on April 30, 2011, at the same Rogers Centre where UFC 206 takes place in December. GSP headlined vs. Jake Shields, who has never been a fan draw equivalent to his incredible ability.

That event set the UFC’s all-time gate record, with 55,724 spectators paying $12,075,000. It is believed to be the largest live gate in Canadian history, beating the Olympics, the Rolling Stones, the Stanley Cup, and, well, everything. It also did very well on pay per view television, with 800,000 buys, putting it at #18 on the all-time list.

The reason I wanted to go back and fight: I feel right now that I’m at my best, said St-Pierre last week. I’m truly confident I can beat the guys that are champion right now.