SATURDAY NEWS DIGEST: GSP’s problem with Reebox, Lawler-Cerrone, Edgar talks potential 135 run, Bisping’s banter

GSP’S PROBLEM WITH REEBOK

After a hiatus of nearly three years, former longtime Welterweight Champion George St. Pierre’s long awaited return to the UFC may be further hindered due to stalled contract agreements between his management and Reebok regarding his compensation.

When GSP left the sport in 2013 he did so atop his division and riding a twelve fight win streak raking in millions from his adoring sponsors. Unfortunately for him, under the new terms of the Reebok deal he will no longer be able to earn that kind of money from multiple sponsors and has demanded fair compensation to make up for lost wages.

GSP has made it no secret that he is eager to come back and that he would not return for just one fight but that he would aim for a title run. However, he has also insinuated that he may need to explore other options for a career if a deal is not reached with a reasonable amount of time. 

Cervantes Analysis: At one point it was rumored that GSP was making around $10-15 million per fight through PPV points and sponsorship deals. While the PPV points would still be there, the Reebok deal, as is currently structured, could never come close to getting him back to those numbers. For one of the most dominant, popular, and respected fighters to have ever graced the octagon, I hope the UFC does its part and substantially raises his purse payout as well as intervenes on GSP’s behalf to persuade Reebok to compensate him fairly. He has more than earned it.

SATURDAY NEWS & NOTES…

-Robbie Lawler vs. Donald Cerrone: ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto broke news of a potential showdown between former Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler and fan favorite Donald Cerrone. This would be the first fight since losing the title three months ago for Lawler, giving him a chance to redeem himself and begin a path back to contention. For Cerrone, this would be a chance to keep his momentum going and to make a compelling case for a title shot of his own by defeating the former champion.

-Frankie Edgar on 135 Run: In an interview with BJPenn.com, Edgar expressed interest in dropping to bantamweight on one condition: an immediate shot at the title. After holding the lightweight title and challenging for the featherweight title, Edgar seeks to join the ranks of Randy Couture and BJ Penn in becoming part of a select few who have held multiple titles in different divisions. To do so, he’d need to defeat incumbent Champion Dominick Cruz, a man who has not been defeated since 2007.

-Michael Bisping’s Banter: Per an interview with Daily Sport Star, UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping would relish the opportunity to fight a returning George St. Pierre. When GSP initially announced his desire to return he expressed interest in a potential fight with Bisping but has since shifted on that. Bisping has said he’d like to fight GSP as soon as two months after UFC 204 when Bisping defends his title against Dan Henderson.