MMA legend and current champion, George St-Pierre, has vacated his UFC middleweight title after a recent win. Citing health issues, the 36-year-old Montreal native sees no other option but to walk away from the sport.
St-Pierre won the middleweight crown after defeating Michael Bisping at UFC 217 in New York on November 4th, marking the first time St-Pierre had fought professionally since walking away from the UFC four years earlier. St-Pierre, whose record stands at 26-2, was scheduled to fight interim champion Robert Whitaker until his sudden retirement earlier this week.
According to St-Pierre, he was recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, giving constant updates on his condition via Facebook. Whitaker has been elevated from interim to undisputed champion and will defend his title at UFC 221 in Australia next year.
In a statement provided by the UFC, St-Pierre had this to say:
“My fight at UFC 217 was one of the greatest nights of my life but I now need to take some time to focus on my health. Out of respect to the athletes and the sport, I don’t want to hold up the division. I will be giving up my belt and once I’m healthy I look forward to working with the UFC to determine what’s next in my career.”
Source: blacksportsonline.com
