Canadian mixed martial artist Georges St. Pierre has reportedly taking an indefinite leave of absence from competing in mixed martial arts (MMA). St. Pierre made the announcement on Friday during a press conference with the media.

St. Pierre's retirement rumours sparked in November, even before he competed to defend his title against Johny Hendricks in UFC 167. St. Pierre's head coach Firas Zahabi said that St. Pierre is likely to retire if he no longer has the motivation to fight.

St. Pierre's statement after his fight in UFC 167 only ignited the retirement rumours. He said that he wanted to "go away for a little bit." He said he needed a vacation to attend to some "personal things" and other unspecified dilemmas he's facing right now.

"I've been fighting for a long time at a high level," said St. Pierre. He also said that he feels so much pressure which is why he has finally decided to take some time off the octagon cage. "I know the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a business and they can't wait," he added. He made it clear that he isn't retiring yet. He told the media during the press conference that if he feels like coming back, he might fight again. However, for the time being, he will be taking a break.

St. Pierre also announced that he will be vacating his welterweight title out of respect to other fighters.

Now that UFC's biggest pay-per-view star is taking a break from the sport for an indefinite period of time, UFC will have to find a descendant to his throne, at least for the time being, since it is unclear whether St. Pierre will make a comeback or not. However, UFC president Dana White stated Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler would likely have a bout for the vacant title at UFC 171 in March 2014.

All throughout his professional MMA career, St. Pierre has a total record of 25 wins and 2 losses, 8 of which were won via knockout. He has been regarded as the number 1 welterweight in the world, according to Sherdog, an American Web site committed to the MMA sport. He made his debut in UFC at UFC 46. St. Pierre has done many great things during his UFC career. He currently holds the most number of championship rounds fought in UFC, which is 52.

St. Pierre is a man of great moral fiber. He is one of the best athletes there is in the MMA sport. He should do whatever makes him happy so if he feels there is a need to step away from UFC, no one should stop him. He has already done a great job.