The only three letters in the sport that are just as important as the UFC is GSP. Georges St-Pierre, better known as GSP, was a pioneer in the sport. With a 25-2 record, and multiple title defenses, GSP is considered the best Welterweight fighter of all-time. He makes his long awaited return to the octagon after four years off from the sport. His fight against Michael Bisping is one of a few fights that make UFC 217 legendary.
Additionally, two other title fights have made the card as well. Cody Garbrandt as well as Joanna Jedrzejczyk will defend their belts against two worth opponents. T.J. Dillashaw and Rose Namajunas are the challengers, and will the look to spoil the party for the incumbent champions.
Coupled with the fact that the event is going down at Madison Square Garden, UFC 217 tickets are some of the most valuable tickets that the promotion has ever offered.
GSP vs. Michael Bisping – Middleweight Title Fight
From 2008 to 2010, no one dominated the UFC quite like GSP. Not to mention, he left the sport a winner in 2013, retiring after winning his previous 12 bouts. Many fighters called him out during his retirement, but he chose an interesting opponent to make his comeback against.
Michael Bisping is often disrespected when the conversation about best fighters of all-time comes up. Although his major success has come recently, Bisping is looking to add another win against a legend to his résumé. Bisping’s last three wins include Anderson Silva, Luke Rockhold and Dan Henderson. The last two were with the Middleweight title on the line, and they were two of Bisping’s best performances.
With 55 wins between these two fighters, this bout promises to be a war. GSP brings incredible experience and championship pedigree in to the octagon. Bisping brings that as well, but he also fights with an edge and a chip on his shoulder. This is due in large part to GSP thinking he made the right decision to come back against a fighter like Bisping.
GSP spent his career fighting at Lightweight (170 lbs.), so we’ll see what impact, if any, fighting at Middleweight (185 lbs.) will have. The trash talk between the two has been entertaining, so let’s hope the fight follows suit.
Cody Garbrandt vs. T.J. Dillashaw – Bantamweight Title Fight
If there’s one fight you can bank on drawing blood in, it is this one. The intensity in the rivalry between Garbrandt and Dillashaw has been well documented.
The two former teammates have now become disgruntled to say the least. T.J. Dillashaw left a bad taste in the mouth of his former team by abandoning them in peculiar fashion. He has the attitude of diva at certain times, but once inside the octagon he is anything but.
Many of his former teammates, including Garbrandt, claim that Dillashaw has skill, but he lacks essential characteristics to be a part of a team and be a consistent champion. In a recent fight, Dillashaw had a chance to cement his legacy, but lost a close fight to Dominick Cruz, arguably the best Bantamweight fighter of all-time. We’ll see if Dillashaw can get his hands back on the Bantamweight belt Saturday night.
Speaking of Cruz, his reign as Bantamweight champion ended rather easily at the hands of Garbrandt. The fight was close in moments, but for the most part Garbrandt picked him apart. This put the division on notice.
Garbrandt remains undefeated in his professional fighting career, and will look to impose his will on his newest rival.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas – Women’s Strawweight Title Fight
Last but not least, two lethal ladies square off for the Women’s Strawweight title. Both of these women are extremely technical, but also bring violence to the table as well. On paper, Namajunas is outmatched. Jedrzejczyk has more title defenses than Namajunas has UFC fights.
The one thing that Rose brings to the table is a must-see style of fighting. Her vicious approach is what has earned her this title shot. She has a 6-3 professional fighting career so ignorance may be bliss as she goes up against one of the most dangerous women to ever step foot in an octagon. Namajunas won’t go down without a fight, a trait that attracts fans to root for her.
On the other hand, there is no doubt about the skills of Joanna Jedrezczyk. Her reign as the Strawweight World Champion has been relatively stress free. A bunch of unanimous decisions as well as a few TKO finishes. Her spotless MMA record currently stands at 14-0, and it will take a heroic effort for Namajunas to add a loss to her record. Jedrzejczyk thrives on other fighters over extending themselves. They want to beat her so bad that they ditch their game plan for a chance to land a big shot. From there, Jedrzejczyk picks them apart.
Find UFC 217 tickets here to see GSP return, Garbrandt and Dillashaw settle a score and whether or not a new Women’s Strawweight champ will be crowned.
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