UFC optimistic about 2015 returns of Brock Lesnar and Georges St-Pierre

UFC President Dana White is still holding out hope that two of the organization’s biggest pay-per-view stars will return to the octagon in 2015.

White briefly discussed former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre and ex-heavyweight titleholder Brock Lesnar during a segment on Tuesday’s “FOX Sports Live.”

The UFC executive is often asked about the former champs, and as we move into a new year that’s already loaded with big early-2015 bookings, he’s hoping St-Pierre and Lesnar can join the mix later in the year.

After a legendary six-year title reign, St-Pierre (25-2 MMA, 19-2 UFC) vacated his belt in December 2013 to take a hiatus from the sport. The 33-year-old has said the stresses and pressure of being champion proved he needed time away from the spotlight.

Will St-Pierre, who’s on the mend from knee injuries, make a return in 2015?

“I hope so,” White said. “We’re counting on him coming back, but I don’t know.”

St-Pierre reigned as the welterweight division’s titleholder and was a pound-for-pound great who notched 10 consecutive title defenses and avenged his two career losses during the UFC’s biggest growth period.

After he vacated the title, Johny Hendricks briefly held the belt before Robbie Lawler’s recent title win. Either could be a compelling matchup for St-Pierre, though the division has a number of contenders.

Of course, there’s no shortage of matchups for Lesnar, too.

Lesnar (5-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC), a former champ who produced some of the biggest PPV events in UFC history, is reportedly nearing a UFC return. He first joined the UFC in 2008 following a seven-year run in pro wrestling. He won the heavyweight belt and ultimately made two title defenses.

However, the tail end of Lesnar’s MMA career was hampered by diverticulitis, which required multiple surgeries and a complete restructuring of the fighter’s diet. It ultimately prompted his MMA retirement in 2011, but the 37-year-old could soon make a return.

“Brock Lesnar is under contract with the WWE, and I’m sure when his contract is up, he will call me,” White said.

For more on the UFC’s schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.