The UFC still has not released an official statement, but the Los Angeles Times reported Feb. 17 that president Dana White confirmed directly with them that former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre (25-2-0) is back with the company.
St-Pierre confirmed his return with a tweet containing a video of himself.
Je suis de retour… I'm back!@hayabusacombat #TeamHayabusa #MMA#GSPIsBack pic.twitter.com/tGlvMwoawl
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) February 18, 2017
St-Pierre took a hiatus in November 2013 after controversially defeating Johny Hendricks by split-decision at UFC 167. At the time, he left the door open to a return, but wanted to take some time off. During that time, his relationship with the UFC cooled to various levels, symbolized by when he joined the Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association (MMAAA), in November 2016.
No confirmed opponent has been named for GSP, but White explained to the Los Angeles Times that the winner of the Tyron Woodley – Stephen Thompson fight at UFC 209, or middleweight champion Michael Bisping could be possible options.
— michael (@bisping) February 19, 2017
One thing is certain. St-Pierre’s return will be a pay-per-view bonanza, much to the relief of the UFC.