Dana White says title shot likely for Georges St-Pierre if he returns

If Georges St-Pierre decides to end his sabbatical and return to the Octagon, a title shot is likely waiting for him.

With rumblings that the former longtime welterweight champion could return next year starting to build, the question of who he'd fight in his return bout is the natural next question.

UFC president Dana White indicated on Thursday that it would be "tough to deny" St-Pierre a shot at the title currently held by Johny Hendricks, if and when he decided to return. Or he could take another fight in the interim, if he so chose.

But the decision will be up to the former champ.

"It would be tough to deny that GSP comes right back and doesn't fight for the title, you know what I mean?" White told UFC.com. "GSP can do whatever he wants. If he wants to come back and fight for the title, or if he wants a fight before that - he can do whatever he wants."

Earlier this week, GSP's coach, Firas Zahabi of Montreal's TriStar, indicated he believes St-Pierre still has the desire to fight.

"My personal opinion is he still has plenty of competitive juice in him," Zahabi told ESPN.com. "I don't think he'll be anywhere near fight shape until he's late-34 -- mid-34. I think he's got a few fights in him but I don't want to speak for the guy. He might retire and no one could blame him."

St-Pierre reigned as champion for five and a half years in his second title reign before vacating the title in the wake of his controversial decision win over Hendricks at UFC 167 and its heated aftermath. Currently, he's rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in a training session; ESPN reported he has been cleared to return to the gym in October.

"It's always a huge debate on a guy who's had a career like GSP - to go out on top and walk away with the belt," White said. "That's a personal decision that a fighter has to make. Being the competitor that GSP is, I can't see GSP doing it. But that's up to him."