St-Pierre confirms comeback negotiations with UFC: 'I'm ready'

Georges St-Pierre is closer than ever to fighting again.

Appearing on The MMA Hour on Monday, the mixed martial arts legend gave a strong indication that he's planning to come back to the UFC. After informing host Ariel Helwani that he recently completed a test training camp, GSP gave a direct response as to the status of a potential return:

"I'm ready."

St-Pierre assured Helwani that he and his management are on the same page as far as not rushing into a decision, but he suggested that time is becoming a factor for him.

"The thing is I love my sport and I still feel that I'm at my best right now and the clock is running," St-Pierre said. "I'm not getting any younger. I'm in my peak of my career and if there is a shot that there is another run, I better do it and do it quick because it's time to do it now."

One key element that separates Monday's comments from St-Pierre's previous comeback talk is the confirmation that his team is actively in negotiations with the UFC.

Beyond baseline monetary concerns, St-Pierre hasn't seen eye-to-eye with the the world's leading MMA organization when it comes to drug testing protocol, and their current deal with Reebok that would interfere with his own sponsorships.

"Now I know for a fact that I could go back and fight if my management and the UFC get to an agreement," St-Pierre said. "... I always said that I would come back for something big, something that gives me the chills, something that makes me excited."

As far as what challenges intrigue St-Pierre, he singled out UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping. The two currently share the record for most UFC wins at 19.

St-Pierre has not competed since November 2013, a close split decision win over Johny Hendricks. He went into semi-retirement with an overall record of 25-2 and the UFC welterweight belt around his waist, having defended the title nine consecutive times.