St. Pierre gives up his belt and Whittaker is the new middleweight champion

St. Pierre (photo) gives up the middleweight belt (Photo: Reproduction/Twitter GeorgesSt.Pierre)

Georges St Pierre is no longer UFC middleweight champion. The Canadian, who won the title by finishing Michael Bisping at UFC 217, in November, he gave up his belt to take care of a health problem. GSP has been suffering from ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory disease of the large intestine that causes ulcers in the inner layer of the colon). and has no plans to return to the octagon.

See too

St. Pierre admits he should not defend middleweight belt

Mutante opens the game: Comeback, rivalry with Borrachinha and future

“My fight at UFC 217 was one of the biggest nights of my career. But now I need time to focus on my health. Because of the respect I have for the athletes in our sport, I don't want to hold back the division. I will give up my belt and, when I am healthy, I will work with the UFC to determine the next step in my career,” said GSP, in a statement released by the organization

New champion in action at UFC 221

With the announcement of St. Pierre, the interim champion Robert whittaker assumes the position of linear champion of the division. The New Zealander already has a date for his first belt defense. He stares Luke Rockhold at UFC 221, an event that takes place on February 10, in Australia.

Whittaker has a professional record of 19 wins and four losses. The fighter won the interim title by defeating Yoel romero, at UFC 213, in July.

In turn, Rockhold has a record of 16 wins and three losses. The North American, who is a former champion of the category, is coming off a triumph over David Branch in September.

Whittaker and Rockhold face each other at UFC 221. Photo: Reproduction / UFC

PUBLICITY:

Poatan in danger? Veteran calls for 'war' and believes in victory against Brazilian in UFC