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Dana White: 'I knew' St-Pierre wouldn't defend middleweight title

Joe Camporeale / USA TODAY Sports

Dana White's frustration with Georges St-Pierre went up another notch after the decorated fighter vacated the middleweight championship and revealed he doesn't intend to fight again in that weight class.

St-Pierre returned from a four-year hiatus in November to take the belt off Michael Bisping. He was contractually obligated to defend the title, but surrendered it shortly after, claiming he got colitis from an unhealthy diet intended to help him add weight.

"There's a reason I put that stuff in the contract for him to sign," White told Mike Bohn and John Morgan of MMAjunkie following Saturday's UFC Fight Night 123. "There's a reason. Am I shocked? I don't think anybody’s shocked. He came out, and he hand-picked Bisping and went away again. So, whatever - it is what it is."

White and St-Pierre have shared a tense relationship over the years, much of it stemming from contractual issues, St-Pierre's tactical selection of opponents, and the Canadian's lengthy absence from the Octagon that lacked specific details.

"I thought I would be (mad), but I'm not," White added. "I expected it. Listen, I had him sign a contract that said he would defend against (Robbert) Whittaker for a reason. Because I knew he wouldn't."

It's unclear when St-Pierre intends to fight again. If and when he returns, White has no idea who he'll face.

"He doesn't want to fight anybody at welterweight," he said. "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 only wanted to fight Michael Bisping. He did, and now he's off again. I'm not shocked; I'm not mad. It is what it is."

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