GSP's coach explains why he vacated the middleweight title
GEORGES ST-PIERRE’s boxing coach Freddie Roach has shed some light on the Canadian’s decision to vacate the UFC's middleweight title.
Georges St-Pierre vacated the UFC middleweight title last week
St-Pierre relinquished the middleweight crown on Thursday night, 33 days after prising it from Michael Bisping’s clutches in the main event of UFC 217.
The future UFC Hall of Famer did so as he’s currently dealing with a bout of Colitis and doesn’t want to hold up the progression of the division.
His decision to give up his fourth UFC title has resulted in Robert Whittaker being crowned the new undisputed middleweight champion.
St-Pierre’s vacation of the 185lbs belt has pleased many, including Roach, who says he discussed a swift exit from the middleweight division with ‘GSP’ long before he gave up the title.
“The thing was, we discussed it, and I thought he was better off going down to his original weight,” Roach told Fight Hub TV.
“And he agreed. So that’s why (he vacated the title).”
Joe Rogan teaches Georges St Pierre the turning side kick
I thought he was better off going down to his original weight
In a bid to make the 185lbs weight limit, the normally ultra lean St-Pierre had to put on a considerable amount of muscle mass, which he believes contributed to his current illness.
Roach agrees with that notion and reckons the 36-year-old is better off fighting in the welterweight division.
Georges St-Pierre receives instructions from Freddie Roach between rounds
“Gaining weight and bigger, tougher opponents and stronger guys. I like him better at 170lbs,” he said. “It’s a better weight for him.”
Many believe St-Pierre’s next fight will see him try to reclaim the welterweight title, which he vacated in December 2013 a few weeks after his controversial UFC 167 victory over Johny Hendricks.
Georges St-Pierre celebrates with his team after his UFC 217 win over Michael Bisoing
At this moment in time, Roach doesn’t St-Pierre plans on returning to the summit of the division he ruled for nearly five years.
When asked if St-Pierre plans on trying to regain his old title, Roach added: “I don’t know yet.”