by King Hazard
Georges St-Pierre vacated the middleweight belt earlier this week after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. GSP now plans to take some time to focus on his health.
As a result, Robert Whittaker has been named the undisputed middleweight champion of the UFC. Before UFC 217 took place in New York City, many critics speculated that GSP won’t defend the belt if he takes out Michael Bisping. According to President Dana White, GSP signed a contract that mentioned a title defense in the 185-pound division, but that’s far from the situation now.
During a media scrum at UFC Fresno, White stated that he isn’t surprised of the outcome.
At the end of the day, there’s a reason I put that stuff in the contract for him to sign. There’s a reason. And am I shocked? I don’t think anybody is shocked. He came out, he hand-picked Bisping and then went away again. So, whatever, it is what it is.
White also mentioned that GSP is not interested in fighting anyone at welterweight, a division he dominated for many years.
I thought I would be (super pissed), but I’m not. I expected it. Listen, I had him sign a contract that said he would defend against Whittaker for a reason — because I knew he wouldn’t.
He doesn’t want to fight anybody at welterweight. That’s why he fought Bisping. He didn’t want to fight (Tyron) Woodley, he didn’t want to fight (Stephen) ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. He didn’t want to fight any of those guys. He wanted to fight Michael Bisping, and he did, and now he’s off again. So, listen, I’m not shocked, I’m not mad. It is what it is.
With GSP out of the picture, the promotion officially decided to book a middleweight title fight between Whittaker and former champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 221 in Perth, Western Australia. The fight will take place on Februrary 10th.
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