MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION GEORGES St-Pierre, we hardly knew ya!
The UFC confirmed overnight that GSP is no longer the title-holder in its 185-pound division after opting to vacate the belt he won from Michael Bisping last month.
St-Pierre, who vacated the welterweight title to take a hiatus after defeating Johny Hendricks in November 2013, returned from a four-year lay-off to overcome Bisping via third-round submission in Madison Square Garden and win the middleweight strap on 4 November.
However, the 36-year-old admitted earlier this week that he was unlikely to defend the title due to health concerns over the move up in weight class from his usual home at 170 pounds. St-Pierre also revealed that he’s currently suffering from colitis, an inflammation of the colon which causes abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhoea.
Georges St-Pierre's welterweight title reign: 2,064 days (2nd longest in UFC history)
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) December 8, 2017
Georges St-Pierre's middleweight title reign: 31 days (shortest in UFC history)
“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,” he told the UFC’s official website regarding his decision to bring an end to the shortest title reign in the organisation’s history.
“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.”
St-Pierre’s decision means that there’s a new undisputed champion in the middleweight division, with 26-year-old Australian Robert Whittaker now promoted to top spot.
Whittaker picked up his eighth consecutive victory in July by getting the better of Yoel Romero in a bout for an interim middleweight title.
He’ll make his first defence of the belt against former champion Luke Rockhold on 10 February at UFC 221 in Perth.
I havent looked forward to a weekend of football like this is a long time. Odds are good for having a few crackers.
Mayo wanting revenge.
Cork will want to show Dublin what there made of and Dublin will want to impress on there first big test in this Championship. Tyrone will want to show the country they still have what it takes. Cavan a lively wee team will put it up to the Kingdom. The dubs and cork will pack Croker and a great atmosphere will be guaranteed.
Roll on the Quarter finals.
Best weekend of the year!
Ahahahhahaaha, love it! Never seen hype like it for a 1/4 final, gas altogether … Let’s hope we’re not going back to Mayo with our tails between our legs this this time!
Don’t want to be a troll but all Ireland finals on September 22nd not 23rd, trailer looks amazing though in fairness to TV3
Sorry didn’t see 2012, my bad
They are referring to the date of the 2012 final ;-)
i would just like to point out how karl lacey was targeted in that game last year as the video shows, maybe mcguiness was 100% right