Jump to
The longest reigning champion in UFC welterweight history is set for something of a comeback. No fans won’t get to see GSP back in the Octagon, and there hasn’t been one word about that potential boxing match with Oscar De La Hoya that Dana White stopped from moving forward. But Georges St-Pierre is returning to combat sports competition this coming December with the UFC’s Fight Pass Invitational grappling series.
To date, the UFC has run four high profile grappling events on their Fight Pass streaming platform. Their most recent card, back on June 29th, featured grappling star Craig Jones taking on Felipe Pena in the main event, alongside former Octagon foes Glover Teixeira vs. Anthony Smith.
Georges St-Pierre announces grappling return at UFC 290
During the UFC 290 media day on Thursday, July 6th, Georges St-Pierre made a surprise appearance with a big announcement. He would be entering his first competitive combat sports event since his second retirement from the UFC back in 2017.
We’ve really gone six whole years without a GSP fight of any sort. But that all ends in December.
“I’m 42-years-old and it gives me—because I felt at the end, when I retired, I was training, but I needed some—I like the kick of competition,” GSP explained to a small crowd of media members and fans. “I’d like to get it back, and I’d like to feel the adrenaline again. I think it’s also an avenue for fighters who still want to compete and make money and have fun with the fans and the family of the UFC.”
Fight Pass Invitational 6
While no opponent has been announced as of yet, St-Pierre is set to return on December 14th at Fight Pass Invitational 6. In fact, as of yet. GSP is the only athlete announced for the grappling card.
‘Rush’ has competed once before in submission grappling competition, when he made a run at the 2005 ADCC tournament. GSP defeated Otto Olson in the opening round of the 77kg bracket, via points, before getting submitted by future Ultimate Fighter Brazil winner Leonardo Silva via flying armbar in the second round.
As for MMA, the now 42-year-old last competed back in 2017, when he returned from four years away from the Octagon to take on then middleweight champion Michael Bisping. GSP defeated Bisping via technical submission in round 3 to secure his second UFC title in his first ever fight up in a new division. Shortly after winning the belt, however, the Canadian superstar vacated the title, citing heath concerns. He officially announced his retirement from MMA in 2019.
Join the Bloody Elbow Substack!
Support Bloody Elbow, and get exclusive content.
About the author
