While reports have continued to emerge that Georges St-Pierre will be returning to the Octagon at UFC 206, there is reportedly one major hang-up that is keeping the former welterweight kingpin out of the Octagon.
After several reports regarding GSP’s return were released throughout the course of the past few weeks, St-Pierre himself spoke about the reports, saying that news regarding his return to the Octagon would be announced in a few weeks at the latest.
“For the moment I cannot say anything, but you’re going to hear in the coming weeks, I assure you”
“It is in the hands of the UFC,” he said of his comeback. “They have the final decision. It’s a little complicated but you will have news in a few weeks maximum.”
Now, TalkMMA is reporting that St-Pierre’s deal with Under Armour is what’s holding up the former champ’s return.
UFC owner Ari Emanuel went to Canton MA to Reebok's HQ hoping to work something out with Reebok in allowing GSP to return. No go.
— #Dizz © (@TalkMMA) October 13, 2016
So just as I suspected, Reebok is what's holding GSP up. His Under Armour deal is stupid stupid money. Can't pass on it.
— #Dizz © (@TalkMMA) October 13, 2016
That's why DC was told he and Rumble would be main eventing Toronto. Reebok won't budge on a competitor sponsored athlete
— #Dizz © (@TalkMMA) October 13, 2016
Also, GSP has a deal with Coca-Cola with NOS. Monster will give resistance as well.
— #Dizz © (@TalkMMA) October 13, 2016
St-Pierre, who has been absent from the Octagon following his UFC 167 split decision win over Johny Hendricks in 2013, was rumored to be returning to the Octagon at UFC 206 on December 10th against Nick Diaz in Toronto, Canada, however Anderson Silva’s son then began to tease a fight between St-Pierre and Silva for UFC 206.
Stay tuned for updates regarding this situation as they become available.