Fans Threaten To Boycott UFC 206 In Backlash Over GSP

Former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre seemed destined to return this year. After vacating the title in 2013, ‘GSP’ remained inactive, citing personal issues and the problems with the lack of drug testing. St-Pierre’s departure was met with shock from the fans, and with outrage from UFC president Dana White. The promotion reportedly had St-Pierre’s belt taken from his locker room and denied him access to the post-fight presser. ‘Rush’ then showed up half way through the conference before discussions with White and Lorenzo Fertitta ensued.

That was the last we’d see of ‘GSP’ during a UFC broadcast. Teasing a comeback frequently during his hiatus, it seemed 2016 would finally be the year of the former champ’s big return. With UFC 206 coming up in St-Pierre’s backyard, the stars appeared to be aligning. ”’Rush’ had expressed interest in fighting both middleweight champion Michael Bisping and his old foe Nick Diaz. All signs were pointing to a big return for ‘GSP’ in 2016, until things just fell apart, quite simply.

Dana White In No Rush

Announcing free agency this past week, ‘GSP’ claimed negotiations with the UFC had broken down. Apparently the controversial Reebok apparel deal was too much of a sticking point, and the Canadian’s lawyer had got the former champion out of his contract. The UFC disputed these claims, stating St-Pierre was indeed still under contract. Dana White once again said ‘Rush’ did not want to fight, to which the all-time great responded by saying only he knew what he wanted. With Rory MacDonald jumping ship to Bellator in 2016 too, sects of fans in Canada have banded together for a boycott of UFC 206.

The UFC enjoys healthy attendances when visiting Canada. The last time the promotion put on a show in Toronto, UFC 165, they scored a 15,000 strong crowd for Jones vs. Gustafsson. Taking to Twitter to voice their displeasure, Canadian fans of Georges St-Pierre have started a ‘Free GSP’ campaign, with the aim of boycotting UFC 206 if the promotion doesn’t release St-Pierre:

#FreeGSP

HELLO, CANADA AND GSP FANS AROUND THE WORLD!
Join us in supporting a true legend of the sport we all love.#BOYCOTTUFC206 #FREEGSP pic.twitter.com/qQGBoZockV

— @MMAG33K (@MMAG33K) October 18, 2016

https://twitter.com/kenny_ac/status/788391634643877888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/ChrisRalphNL/status/790351797625946112

UFC lost Rory and GSP in a span of months, Canadians should protest and boycott UFC 206

— Gaz (@agaz996) October 18, 2016

https://twitter.com/MMALoaded/status/788490354152574976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

with No GSP @ UFC 206… its time to boycott ufc 206. #UFC206 #BoycottUFC206

— James J Raynor (@JamesJRaynor) October 17, 2016

https://twitter.com/1983jayson/status/790326045509640193