UFC 217 video recap: St-Pierre submits Bisping, becomes new middleweight champ

n the UFC 217 main event, Georges St-Pierre put Michael Bisping to sleep to win his second world title. There were questions about how Georges St-Pierre would do after a four-year layoff, and fighting 15 pounds heavier. On Saturday night at…

n the UFC 217 main event, Georges St-Pierre put Michael Bisping to sleep to win his second world title.

There were questions about how Georges St-Pierre would do after a four-year layoff, and fighting 15 pounds heavier. On Saturday night at UFC 217, he answered it all by choking out Michael Bisping to win the UFC middleweight title.

What was the high point of the fight?

Everyone was curious if St-Pierre would be showing some signs of ring rust, but credit to him, he looked like he was never out since 2013. He was landing shots and completing takedowns against a supposedly more conditioned Bisping.

Bisping did have his moments, including a significant elbow from the guard that cut St-Pierre. But it was GSP who eventually found his rhythm when he connected with a left hand in the latter part of the third round, landed some ground and pound shots, and finished the fight off with a rear-naked choke.

Where do these two go from here?

Depending on St-Pierre’s decision to defend the title or not, it might be a while before Bisping can fight for a title again. He did say he’s not yet done, and maybe now he can finally face Yoel Romero.

St-Pierre was uncertain if he will continue fighting at 185 pounds, or if he will go back down to 170 pounds. Personally, I would like to see him fight Robert Whittaker, and if he wins, he can go back to welterweight, or even retire if he wishes to. But he should at least unify the title to fully become the undisputed middleweight champion.

Watch it now, later, or never?

This fight was indeed a definitive way to close out a remarkable UFC Madison Square Garden card. Watch it now.