Robert Whittaker has become the first Australian UFC champion in unusual circumstances, awarded the UFC middleweight championship today after Georges St-Pierre vacated the title.
St-Pierre has been diagnosed with colitis, prompting him to step down from competition for the time being and focus on his health.
“My fight at UFC 217 was one of the greatest nights of my life,” he said.
“But I now need to take some time to focus on my health. 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.”
The UFC have confirmed that Australian Whittaker is now officially the holder of the title, and while he has won it without a punch, it won’t be long before he is forced to defend it.
Whittaker has been officially booked in to fight Luke Rockhold in his first title defence which will be the main event at UFC 221, in Perth on February 11 next year.
Rockhold is a previous holder of the title having won it at UFC 194 against Chris Weidman before losing it at UFC 199 to Michael Bisping.
Whittaker has held the interim championship ever since he defeated Yoel Romero, his most recent fight, with the news of St-Pierre giving up his belt elevating him to become the official undisputed champ.
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shirtpants
Roar Guru
If Conor even fights again. He's got Pacman wanting him in the ring which would be 50 million probably guarantee. The only thing getting Mcgregor back in the octagon is the lure of a stake in the UFC.
Lroy
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Well this is probably the fight a lot of fans wanted anyway. Rockhold destroyed Bisping before their rematch when he got too overconfident and dropped his hands. Methinks St Pierre really wants a super-fight against McGreggor to get a good payday so his ''colitis'' has come at exactly the right time for him. Whittaker has done great so far, Rockhold will be a huge challenge for him, cant wait.