When UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre (25-2) teased retirement after his controversial decision victory over Johny Hendricks (15-2) at UFC 167, he only added to the intrigue surrounding a potential rematch.
St-Pierre claimed in his post-fight interview that he wanted to take some time away from the sport, per Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times:
On the heels of his polarizing 48-47, 47-48, 48-47 split-decision victory, the pressure for a rematch from Dana White, per ESPN’s Todd Grisham, and the MMA world will spawn genuine excitement about a second chapter in this battle.
GSP vs. Hendricks II would be one of the biggest fights of the last five years.
Any fight that features St-Pierre defending his championship will draw major attention. The titleholder has carried pay-per-views for the UFC for the past six years and has made stars out of average competition like Jake Shields, Josh Koscheck and others.
It doesn’t matter who he’s squaring off against; MMA fans will pay to see GSP fight.
The main issue many critics have with St-Pierre is the pacing of his fights. As one of the best wrestlers in the sport, he is methodical with his approach and doesn’t mind grinding out five-round decision victories. With eight of his nine consecutive title defenses coming via decision, his inability and/or unwillingness to finish the fight early has some turning on the superstar.
If GSP rethinks the decision to walk away from the UFC, and he would be willing to play the role of the villain during the build to the rematch with Hendricks, the welterweight champion would ensure that this is the most intriguing matchup of his career.
Every good antagonist plays off a likable protagonist, and that role will be played by Hendricks.
Not only does Hendricks possess the elite speed and power to stand and trade strikes with St-Pierre in the center of the Octagon, but he also has the wrestling skills as a two-time NCAA champion to match GSP on the mat.
Most fans and fellow fighters feel Hendricks deserved to get the decision victory Saturday night, and that has lent credibility to his role in the potential rematch as the underdog looking to capture the championship most feel he rightfully deserves.
St-Pierre’s comments about potentially retiring, and the drama that surrounds the next few weeks as his decision becomes official, will lead to the rematch hopefully being announced sooner rather than later.
With the hype around this main event still red hot, the UFC must capitalize and book the rematch.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com