Online UFC betting fans got the opportunity to bet on MMA legends when Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen faced each other at Bellator 170 and now another rare opportunity has snuck its way into the sportsbook spotlight.
It has been announced and confirmed that George St. Pierre – widely considered to be one of the, if not the, greatest martial artist in online UFC betting history – will be making his highly anticipated comeback later this year. But it will in no way be an easy return, as the Canadian will have to face off against one of the baddest fighters currently in the UFC, Michael Bisping.
Although the official date of this lustrous matchup has yet to be confirmed, Bisping and St. Pierre are expected to face each other in July in Las Vegas, or later that same month in Anaheim. So while there’s no official date, sportsbook players can rejoice knowing that this summer will bring with it one of the most dynamic, intriguing matchups in recent years.
St. Pierre is one of the most beloved fighters in MMA history. Apart from how clean his face is for someone in the fight business, St. Pierre also sports one of the most eye-raising MMA records with his 25 wins to just 2 losses, which means that sportsbook players adore him due to his consistency to help them win some bets.
Bisping, on the other hand, is sort of the antithesis for St. Pierre. Whereas St. Pierre is one of the most soft-spoken, humble persons on the planet, Bisping is the complete opposite. Bisping does not shy away from engaging in trash talking, and it’s usually the sort that is filled with expletives. Bisping has been doing a great job as a commentator of the sport, but there’s no denying that the Briton is one of the most hated champions currently competing in the UFC.
As most sportsbook players know, Bisping is currently the UFC’s middleweight champion, and although St. Pierre is a former welterweight champion, the duo will face off for the 185 lb. crown (middleweight title).
In addition to owning the welterweight belt, Bisping enters this bout sporting a 30-7 record. This will mark the British fighter’s second title defense, with his first being a unanimous decision victory over Dan Henderson at UFC 204. Lastly, the 38-year old fighter enters this matchup riding a 5-fight win streak.
As aforementioned, St. Pierre enters this contest with a 25-2 record. Impressive as that may be, online UFC betting fans should be made aware of the fact that St. Pierre hasn’t stepped inside the octagon since 2013. Back then, the Canadian faced off against Johny Hendricks at UFC 167. St. Pierre was able to win that contest via a split decision. Furthermore, St. Pierre slides into this pairing with a 12-fight win streak.
“We haven’t set a date yet, but that’s the fight,” White told reporters on ESPN’s SportsCenter. “He has to be tested by USADA for the next three months.”
Dana White is usually the voice of negativism in the UFC, but knowing St. Pierre’s stellar reputation, the Canadian should have no problems passing drug tests.
