Georges St-Pierre had one of the greatest comebacks in MMA history last month at UFC 217. The French-Canadian MMA superstar — who could arguably be considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time — returned to the cage after a four-year hiatus to beat former Middleweight Champion “The Count” Michael Bisping via a rear naked choke.
The win was notable not only because it made St-Pierre one of the only fighters to hold a title in two different UFC divisions, but because, even after a four-year vacation from MMA, GSP was able to beat the champion in the division above the one he usually fights in.
Sadly, St-Pierre’s reign as Middleweight Champion just came to a screeching halt, as UFC officials have confirmed he has vacated his title:
“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,” St-Pierre was quoting as saying in MMA Weekly. “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.”
It’s not all bad news, though. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold will have a chance to regain the belt he lost to Bisping back at UFC 199 when he takes on Interim Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 221 in February.
No news yet if GSP will make a second comeback in the UFC.
Source: MMA Weekly
