Jorge Masvidal: GSP’s success will depend on how he’s affected by USADA

Later this year, UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping will attempt to defend his title against returning welterweight legend Georges St-Pierre – that is, unless Bisping decides to give the title shot back to Yoel Romero, or fight Tyron Woodley instead.

Given that St-Pierre has never fought at middleweight before, his being given a title shot over legitimate contenders like Romero and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza was immediately controversial. Why the UFC went this direction, of course, is easy to understand. They’re trying to make some big money. At least, that’s what streaking welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal thinks.

Masvidal weighed in on the reasoning behind this Bisping – St-Pierre superfight on Wednesday’s edition of BJ Penn Radio.

“Obviously they agreed to make it happen because it’s probably going to be the one that’s the most profitable,” he said. “They both bring in nations. [St-Pierre] brings in Canada; [Bisping] brings in England. So it’s a no-brainer from their point.”

Shortly thereafter, Masvidal weighed in on the outcome of the fight. According to the fan favorite welterweight, it’ll depend how St-Pierre is effected by the iron fist of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, who were not affiliated with the UFC when he last fought.

“I’m not saying he did or didn’t [use performance enhancers], but a lot of fighters act different after USADA,” he said. “So we’re going to see if USADA had any effect on GSP or not, because I think the old GSP would have been able to handle Bisping. He would have been able to take him down, time him, outbox him, and get in on his legs and take him down. Let’s see if USADA has anything to say about GSP.”

However it all goes, Masvidal is expecting a pretty solid fight.

“Is it going to be the best fight of the year? I don’t know,” he said. “It could be a really good fight I think.”

Jorge Masvidal will be fighting Demian Maia on the main card of UFC 211 this May 13. What do you think of his assessment of St-Pierre vs. Bisping? Sound off, PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/30/2017.