Michael Bisping points to opponent Luke Rockhold after defeating him in their Middleweight Title Bout at UFC 199 at The Forum on June 4, 2016 in Inglewood, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
George St-Pierre coach Firas Zahabi believes the former welterweight champ should fight reigning middleweight champion Michael Bisping right off a long layoff, believing one of UFC's most dominant champions deserves a super-fight right away.
In an interview with Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA 5ive Rounds, Zahabi talks about the possibility of his prized fighter fighting an established champion like Bisping in his comeback fight. Although he considers Tyron Woodley, the reigning welterweight title holder as a great champ, a Bisping match will generate more buzz for a returning legend like St-Pierre.
"I would love the Bisping fight to be honest with you," said Zahabi on something that was once pushed by Bisping for UFC 206. "I feel the welterweight division doesn't have a supremely confident champion yet. Tyron Woodley is a great champion, but he's on his first defense. We need someone to build a history like Georges did, to have a super fight."
"With Bisping, it would be for the middleweight title That would make it epic," he said. "Georges needs to come back for a mega fight, super fight. Something five rounds, something historical. Not just another contender."
St-Pierre hasn't stepped in the octagon ever since his split decision win over Johnny Hendricks at UFC 167 in November of 2013. However, Zahabi believes ring-rust won't matter at all whenever St-Pierre decides to make a comeback. He's confident the Canadian is still the best MMA fighter there is.
'I still think Georges is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," Zahabi added. "He trains regularly so I still see him in action and the guy is a monster. I hope Georges and the UFC, his management team at CAA, they book him again. He's such an incredible talent sitting by the wayside. It's crazy to me. I think it's a matter of time. I'm hopeful at least."
