George St-Pierre returned to the UFC last month after a 4-year layoff, and soundly defeated Michael Bisping at UFC 217 to claim the middle weight title. It was a triumphant return for St-Pierre, who walked away from the UFC four years ago for several reasons.
Now St. Pierre is walking away again as quickly as he returned, giving up his middleweight belt due to the serious medical condition, ulcerative colitis. Pierre was diagnosed last week according to sources and released the following statement:
“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 said in a statement provided by the UFC. “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.”
Robert Whitaker has been named middle weight champion while St-Pirre recovers. Whitaker will defend his new title against Luck Rockhold during UFC 221 on February 21st in Perth, Australia.
Judging from Pirre’s comments, a return to the UFC seems likely once he regains his health.