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UFC 171: Georges St-Pierre Picks Johny Hendricks, Still Talking Comeback

  • Frank Doyle's Author profile. Frank Doyle

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You won’t get Georges St-Pierre to say he’s planning a comeback (at least not yet), but he’s happy to share his pick for the UFC 171 welterweight main event between Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler.

GSP says that both Hendricks and Lawler have knockout power, but it’s Hendricks that has the edge with his wrestling.

“It’s a fight where anything can happen,” St-Pierre told reporters. “Both guys can put each other to sleep. They have a lot of power in striking, but I believe Hendricks has the edge in this fight because I believe he will come more well-prepared with his team and he’s got an edge in the grappling department.”

St-Pierre should know better than anyone after going five rounds with Hendricks in his UFC 167 highly-controversial decision victory. Since then, GSP has decided to take a break from the UFC, leaving his title open for the winner of Hendricks-Lawler. Sports Interaction’s odds have Hendricks listed as a -588 favorite to take the title.

Still, you have to consider Lawler a live underdog in this bout. Since coming back to the UFC last year, Lawler has won three straight with a pair of knockouts and an impressive decision victory over Rory MacDonald at UFC 167. This has been Lawler’s best run since he broke into the UFC way back in 2002.

“I think as I matured, I’m ready to take that step, and I’m embracing everything that has to do with the UFC, and I’m ready to be out there in front of everyone, and do what it takes to be a champion,” Lawler told reporters.

Meanwhile, even though there will be a new welterweight champion crowned Saturday night, it would be a mistake to rule GSP out of the division all together. He’s still training every day and says he’s gained significant muscle mass since stepping away from the octagon. Plus, when asked about a possible return to the UFC last weekend, St-Pierre continues to hold his cards close to his vest.

“Don’t blink, but I don’t know, we’ll see. It could be a yes, fast, or it could be a no it depends,” St-Pierre told reporters. “I can’t tell you everything I have to keep myself some secret sometimes.”