Georges St-Pierre Picks Johny Hendricks to Defeat Robbie Lawler at UFC 171

On March 15 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler will fight for the vacant UFC welterweight title. It will be the first time in seven years that a 170-pound title fight didn’t feature Georges St-Pierre.

While recently in Brazil recently, the former champion was asked if it was weird seeing two fighters complete for the belt that he voluntarily relinquished.

“It doesn’t feel weird because it was my choice to give it away,” he said. “I’m going to watch the fight as a fan. I’m sure it’s going to be a very exciting fight.”

Both Hendricks and Lawler are known for their one-punch knockout ability, but St-Pierre believes Hendricks’ wrestling will be the deciding factor in the match-up.

“If I have no choice and have to bet, I think it will be Johny Hendricks,” predicted St-Pierre. “They both have power to knock each other out, but I believe Johny Hendricks has the grappling in his favor, grappling ability.”

St-Pierre announced that he was taking a break from fighting following his split decision win over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167 on Nov. 16, 2013. It was his ninth consecutive title defense. He hasn’t made any moves to indicate a return to the Octagon, but St-Pierre has remained in the public eye, and has a role in the upcoming feature film Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which premiers on April 4 in the United States.