Weighing the pros and cons of a 'GSP' comeback
Retired UFC champion Georges St-Pierre turned 35 on Thursday and even after two-and-a-half years away from the sport, fans and media are still wondering if he will fight again.
It doesn't help that "GSP" has never declared himself to be done for good. He's often said that the right challenge and the right circumstance could lead him back to the Octagon.
What fuses need to be lit to ignite the competitive spark in St-Pierre are a mystery, but the most pertinent question might be whether he should attempt a comeback at all.
Here are the arguments for and against a return for one of MMA's greatest performers:
Pro - A chance to reclaim his crown
The most obvious narrative for a returning St-Pierre is to win back the belt he never lost.
Before Robbie Lawler's recent surge through the 170-pound division, it would have been ludicrous to suggest that he'd have a chance against St-Pierre. After all, while St-Pierre was knocking off the best welterweights in the world, Lawler was messing around at middleweight and losing to the likes of Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Lorenz Larkin.
Now, Lawler is the UFC welterweight champion - a winner of five straight fights against the division's best. He's improved in every aspect of the game and it's actually reasonable to think he could defeat St-Pierre.
For an athlete who has always relished a challenge, it's fair to say that St-Pierre would be excited about a fight with Lawler.
Con - Why risk long-term injury?
One of the main reasons for St-Pierre putting his career on hold were concerns about his health. He was fortunate to have made enough money to walk away from a sport that was becoming increasingly detrimental to his physical and mental health.
Taking that into consideration, it doesn't make a lot of sense for him to compete again, when one bad night against a killer like Lawler could undo all the benefits of his hiatus.
Pro - The superfights
Former middleweight champion Anderson Silva is far removed from his prime, but fans would still devour a meeting between arguably the two best UFC fighters of all time. Even more intriguing is the fact that St-Pierre is confident he can cut down to lightweight, opening up a bout with 155-pound champion Rafael dos Anjos.
And it goes without saying that a bout with Conor McGregor would be among the most lucrative in company history, regardless of weight class.
Con - The politics of the UFC
St-Pierre still remembers how UFC president Dana White threw him under the bus after the Hendricks fight for wanting to take some time off. It's understandable that "GSP" would have no interest becoming embroiled in UFC drama again.
Add in the company's sponsorship deal with Reebok that would directly conflict with St-Pierre's Under Armour affiliation and you have the recipe for a lot of headaches that he doesn't have to deal with.
Pro - St-Pierre the educator
Throughout his career, St-Pierre set an example as to how fighters should conduct themselves inside and outside the cage. He blended combat disciplines as well as anyone who has ever strapped on a pair of gloves, and he found the same balance when handling his finances.
St-Pierre could do a lot to help fighters understand their worth and how to maximize their earnings. Because while a lot has changed during St-Pierre's hiatus, the UFC's questionable treatment of its fighters remains.
Con - Nothing left to prove
Two welterweight championships. Nine consecutive title defenses. The most wins in UFC history.
St-Pierre accomplished more in his martial arts career than all but a select few, and there isn't much more he could add to his packed resume. The previously suggested superfights would be fun, but they'd probably do more for the UFC's coffers than St-Pierre himself.
St-Pierre is too smart to come back as a mere curiosity, especially since he has plenty of leverage in any negotiations with the UFC. He's grown up a lot since he debuted for the company back in January 2004, and as much as he loves competition, he can also afford to live without it.