ROUNDTABLE (pt. 3 of 3): Who would you most have wanted GSP to fight if he had another UFC fight soon? McGregor? Diaz? Someone else?

Who would you most have wanted GSP to fight if he had another UFC fight soon?

Matt Ecochard, MMATorch contributor

GSP should take a money fight against Anderson Silva in his return (a fight that should have happened years ago). This fight is a fairly safe one for his style and one he can win if he effectively uses his wrestling. The only other option for him is to face a top ten guy, maybe a rematch with Johny Hendricks to silence the doubters in his last performance before leaving. Hendricks is a dangerous opponent but may not be the same fighter he was when they first fought so this would be the alternate choice for GSP in a return.

ROBERT VALLEJOS, MMATorch contributor

Obviously, the dream fight with Anderson Silva would be the ideal situation for UFC 206. With that said, no matter who GSP faces, it will be a very significant draw for the UFC. To go a little off the board, I would actually recommend a rematch with Carlos Condit. Condit may be seriously contemplating retirement, but his name still has resonance with the fans. Their fight at UFC 154 was an absolute thing of beauty. After all, Condit losing to GSP was seemingly the catalyst for Condit’s career decline. For the UFC, GSP vs. Condit II can serve two masters. It is a “gimmick” fight in the vein of Bisping-Henderson II, while still servicing the Welterweight Division where Condit is still ranked #4.

NICK GRINUPS, MMATorch contributor

I think it all depends on what GSP wants out of his new UFC career. If he wants the biggest names possible, I believe he should fight the likes of Anderson Silva, Nick Diaz, or Conor McGregor. If he picks Silva it would be a flashback to 2011 when many MMA fans wanted to see this fight for a champion vs champion match up. Nick Diaz has also been out of the sport since his positive drug test in early 2015 and would be able to sell out any venue even though GSP beat him (50-45) three years ago. There was rumor of the possibility of McGregor vs. GSP before UFC 196 and, if Nate Diaz didn’t pull off an upset, it could have possibly happened. GSP knows that these are the fights that could bring in the most money and face the least amount of risk. McGregor, Diaz, and Silva are three of the biggest names in the sport and if GSP wants to sell out stadiums, these are the fights for him.

If GSP wants to go after the title again, then he needs to fight Damien Maia or Robbie Lawler to cement himself as the number one contender in order to fight the winner of Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson at UFC 205. My gut is telling me that GSP wants to come back compete and make the most money possible. Look for him to fight either Diaz, Silva, or even McGregor if the match up presents itself after UFC 205.

NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS ROUNDTABLE ON THIS TOPIC: ROUNDTABLE (pt. 2 of 3): Who should George St. Pierre face if he fights at UFC 206 (or soon thereafter)? Condit? Silva? Someone else?

ROUNDTABLE (pt. 2 of 3): Who should George St. Pierre face if he fights at UFC 206 (or soon thereafter)? Condit? Silva? Someone else?