UFC
Dana White says UFC Champ Georges St-Pierre hates Nick Diaz, could return as early as the summer
Jan 21, 2012 - 11:00:34 PM Dana White says UFC Champ Georges St-Pierre hates Nick Diaz, could return as early as the summer

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Georges St-Pierre said last week that he's expecting to return by October or November from his surgery to repair a torn ACL last month; But if UFC President Dana White is to be believed, his return could come even sooner than that.

Speaking with Ariel Helwani on the UFC on FX 1 post-show on Fuel TV Friday night, White said the UFC Welterweight Champion's recovery is ahead of schedule, and he's apparently really looking forward to a potential fight with Nick Diaz.

"GSP's rehab could not be going better," White said. "He was texting me pictures of him kicking, doing everything... I think he's going to be back sooner than doctors anticipated."

"He says, 'I am praying every night when I go to bed that Nick Diaz wins this fight.' I have never seen Georges St-Pierre hate somebody. He hates Nick Diaz. I've never seen him so motivated to fight somebody and to beat somebody like Nick Diaz."

Penick's Analysis: Rushing St-Pierre's return would be a mistake that could potentially lead to further injury, but if he's able to return by the end of the summer, it will negate the need for a second Interim Welterweight Title fight before he gets back. I'd like to hear St-Pierre himself talking about Diaz as passionately as White has claimed on multiple occasions, but it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Regardless, I just hope when he does return that it's not too soon and that he gives himself enough time to truly heal from a serious injury.