Georges St-Pierre posted a video Wednesday afternoon in response to Michael Bisping asking for a fight with the former UFC welterweight kingpin.
In short, it’s not happening yet.
Message to Michael @Bisping pic.twitter.com/coe1zBuvXj
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) October 26, 2016
Bisping’s outspokenness reached a fever pitch Tuesday. He had several tweets directed toward GSP that provoked the response Wednesday.
@GeorgesStPierre, we all want more money. But let's go,sign the papers.Give the people of Toronto what they want, be a hero! Let's go champ!
— michael (@bisping) October 26, 2016
GSP said he met with new UFC head Ari Emanuel last week and “made peace” with Dana White. Both seem like positive moves to get GSP back inside the Octagon, but nothing is signed to get him back to action yet.
White also sent a text to reporters late Tuesday saying the fight was not happening:
Text from @danawhite: There is no Bisping vs. GSP fight in Toronto. I know Mike wants it, but it's not happening.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) October 26, 2016
The Canadian face of MMA said that while nothing would make him happier to fight Bisping in Toronto (for UFC 206), it is not going to happen right now.
GSP recently called himself a free agent on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. Per ESPN.com’s Brett Okamoto, the UFC denies that he is a free agent.
GSP closed his video by saying, “Hopefully, things will change soon.” That sentiment can be agreed upon across the board. GSP’s return would be one of the most anticipated events for the UFC. A matchup against Bisping, the current middleweight champion, would only serve to heighten the interest in his return.
The two sides have still not resolved their differences, but GSP’s recent meeting gives hope his return is close. In which case, Bisping should stay ready to pick up the phone when the UFC calls.