Last weekend, the UFC officially announced that a fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal would headline their annual trip to Madison Square Garden at UFC 244. The bout first came to the public eye last month when, following his victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241, Diaz called out Masvidal for the Baddest Motherf*cker in the Game Title. It figures to be one of the biggest fights of the year, so big in fact that even an unlikely figure, Georges St-Pierre, says he’ll be watching.

Speaking with FanSided recently, St-Pierre said he doesn’t watch many fights anymore but that he’s excited about this one.

“I don’t watch fights as much as I did before, but this is going to be one that I’m going to tune into,” said St-Pierre. “What makes it interesting is the character of these fighters.”

St-Pierre retired from MMA earlier this year, citing his advancing age, previous health issues, and a lack of fights that made sense to him from a legacy standpoint. Since then he’s thrown out small hints about potentially returning to face Khabib Nurmagomedov but otherwise has said there’s no one else that makes sense for him to fight. Perhaps the winner of the BMF title might make sense for him?

Unlikely. St-Pierre is busy with outside-the-cage endeavors, mainly some acting work but did discuss the possible return of a former opponent of his, and the older brother of one half of the BMF title fight, Nick Diaz. St-Pierre and Diaz had a contentious relationship a few years ago when Diaz kept calling out St-Pierre but now that his fight career is over, GSP laments that the elder Diaz’s career seems similarly finished, especially since he believes Nick Diaz would’ve been champion after he left.

“I think just it’s sad to see a guy like him waste his best years,” St-Pierre said. “I think he could have been champion, especially when Woodley was there. Stylistically it would have been a nightmare for a guy like Tyron Woodley.”

Woodley in fact called for a fight with Nick Diaz (and Nate Diaz and Georges St-Pierre) but Nick Diaz has not fought since 2015, a unanimous decision loss to Anderson Silva that was changed to a No Contest following failed drug tests from both Silva and Diaz (Silva for drostanolon and androsterone and Diaz for marijuana). Since then, there have been several rumors of a potential return but nothing has even appeared close to occurring. At this point, Diaz is ostensibly retired. Then again, Nate Diaz just came off a three-year hiatus and was as popular as he’s ever been. With the Diaz brothers, it’s hard to predict the future but for St-Pierre, he hopes his former foe comes back.

“He’s one of the best fighters that I fought,” said St-Pierre. “Who knows, maybe his best years are to come.”

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MUST-READ STORIES

Fresh start. Cris Cyborg ready for fresh start with Bellator after ‘draining’ relationship with the UFC.

Rematch. Dustin Poirier calls for Conor McGregor rematch following title fight loss at UFC 242.

Salt. Edson Barboza: ‘Everyone knows that I won that fight’ against Paul Felder at UFC 242.

USADA. Former UFC heavyweight Dmitrii Smoliakov suspended two years by USADA following failed drug test.

Jacare. Jacare Souza moves to light heavyweight, faces Jan Blachowicz at UFC Sao Paulo.

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VIDEO STEW

Fight Motion.

Fighters pick Cerrone-Gaethje.

Ali doubling down that Conor won’t be next.

Chael discussing Poirier calling out Conor.

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LISTEN UP

Eurobash. Interviews with Philip de Fries and Cal Ellenor.

The Mookie & Crookie Show. Discussing Diaz-Masvidal, UFC 242, and Usman-Covington.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Conor.

Oooh. A wrinkle.

The beef.

Bader.

Barboza’s statement.

Gregor Gillespie is really bad at calling people out.

Askren coming after Conor.

Not gonna lie, totally forgot Rashad Coulter existed.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Roberto Soldic (16-3) vs. Michal Pietrzak (8-3); KSW 50, Sept. 14.

Michel Pereira (23-9, 2 NC) vs. Tristan Connelly (13-6); UFC Vancouver, Sept. 14.

Leandro Higo (818-5) vs. Shawn Bunch (9-3); Bellator 228, Sept. 28.

Talita Nogueira (7-1) vs. Jessy Miele (8-3); Bellator 231, Oct. 25.

Stephen Thompson (14-4-1) vs. Vicente Luque (17-6-1); UFC 244, Nov. 2.

Julio Arce (16-3) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (10-1-1); UFC 244, Nov. 2.

Ronaldo Souza (26-7, 1 NC) vs. Jan Blachowicz (24-8); UFC Sao Paulo, Nov. 18.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The more I consider it the more it becomes clear: the BMF title needs to just be for the inaugural 165-pound belt. Then when Nate wins they can do Conor-Nate III and it doesn’t hold up any actual divisions and gives Conor a good shot at being the first three-division champion.

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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