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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

St. Pierre vacates UFC welterweight title

UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre vacated his title Friday, citing a desire for a lengthy break from mixed martial arts. St. Pierre believes he’ll eventually return to the sport, but he doesn’t want to block other fighters’ advancement in the welterweight division while he takes a break from the pressure of training and sorts out unspecified personal problems. “I can’t hold on to my title for the respect of the other competitors,” St. Pierre said. “One day when I feel like it, I might come back, but right now I need a break.” The Canadian star has been the UFC’s 170-pound champion for nearly six years, winning 12 straight fights. – AP