When Georges St-Pierre said he was returning to MMA, he said it was for big, legacy building fights. But last month, when Dana White announced that St-Pierre’s scheduled title bout against middleweight kingpin Michael Bisping was now canceled, many thought those dreams were dashed. But not so fast says the welterweight GOAT.

Speaking recently with TSN, St-Pierre said he talked to Dana White and though no guarantees have been given, he feels confident the fight with Bisping is next.

“It was changing but I talked to Dana a few days ago and he wrote me at the end. I tried to convince him that it was a good thing that if I come back, it needs to be a situation - I [have] a lot to risk and I need to have something that I can gain from it. So big risk, big reward and fighting Michael Bisping, that’s what that gives me. He’s the one that has the most wins in the UFC history. He just beat my record by one but if I beat him, I will beat him. I know Michael will retire, I think, if he ever loses [again]. . .

“I talked to Dana and at the end of the conversation he said. ‘Look we’ll figure it out. We’ll see what happens.’ So hopefully it will happen.”

The UFC originally was targeting the middleweight bout for UFC 213 this summer but an eye injury to St-Pierre which required surgery prohibited the bout. St-Pierre announced that he would be unable to fight until October which precipitated White’s announcement that he was cancelling the fight, roughly around the same time that Bisping announced he was dealing with a lingering knee issue and would also be out until late fall.

An interim middleweight title fight between Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker has been scheduled for UFC 213, but should the UFC opt to forego giving the winner of that bout the next title shot in favor of sticking with the St-Pierre-Bisping matchup, St-Pierre thinks the card rumored for New York in November would be perfect.

“That would be great. That would be a historical moment. I want to make it as big as possible for UFC, for the fans, for everybody. I think it would be the fight everybody would want to see.”

So it appears that is still the fight St-Pierre is preparing for. Though White has made statements that St-Pierre will have to contend for the welterweight title upon his return, the former welterweight champion is certain that he’s still going for his second belt, to the benefit of all parties involved.

“I’m positive [it will happen]. I think it will happen. I think it will. After the conversation I had with him, because the problem I have with Dana is my mistake. We talked through reporters. There’s declaration and stuff so I think it’s good that we talk to each other and can see where are minds are and work together for the benefit of UFC, of me, for the fans, and make everybody happy.”

Georges St-Pierre hasn’t fought since November of 2013, a split decision victory over Johnny Hendricks.

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MUST-READ STORIES

Lost. Cris Cyborg lost sponsorship with GRRRL over Angela Magana incident.

Promises. Jimi Manuwa says he’s been promised a title shot with win at UFC 214.

1M. Daniel Cormier says the UFC should pay Demetrious Johnson $1 million for Dillashaw fight.

Uppercut. Hayder Hassan KOs Joe Stevenson to make TUF 25 quarterfinals.

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VIDEO STEW

Aaron Pico interview. Arguably best MMA prospect ever.

Crazy Bob Cook interview.

DC on JBJ.

Max on TMZ.

TTTHS.

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LISTEN UP

Submission Radio. Lorenz Larkin and Stephen Thompson interviews.

Bushido Talk. DJ/TJ talk as well as Jose Aldo’s legacy.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

DJ sure doesn’t look bothered by his UFC beef.

Feels like DC had this one in the bag but didn’t finish it well.

Nine-time BJJ world champ making the MMA transition. Big time.

Ouch.

I’m fairly confident Mike Perry is not ducking Iaquinta. Management, possibly.

Dude literally lost to Jake Shields a month ago.

This dude should be an enormous star.

Did Cody get married? Got a ring on.

Joe Lauzon with the troops.

Rashad putting Sergio on blast.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Brian Camozzi (7-3) vs. Chad Laprise (11-2); UFC 213, July 8.

Jack Hermansson (15-3) vs. Brad Scott (11-4); UFC Fight Night: Mexico City, August 5.

Arjan Bhullar (6-0) vs. Luis Henrique (10-3, 1 NC); UFC 216, September 9.

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TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2000: Kevin Randleman defended his UFC heavyweight title by winning a unanimous decision over Pedro Rizzo at UFC 26. Also that evening, Pat Miletich retained the welterweight title by submitting John Alessio with an armbar.

2006: Gilbert Melendez won the Strikeforce lightweight championship by taking a split decision victory over Clay Guida at Strikeforce: Revenge, the second outing of the organization.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Fight weekend back upon us. Not a great one but better than nothing I suppose. Take it easy everyone and see y’all Monday.

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