UFC 158 in Montreal in March is gearing up to be a great event and one stacked with welterweight contenders. The UFC has announced that Georges St-Pierre will defend his world welterweight title against Nick Diaz in a grudge match. It marks the first time GSP has hand-picked an opponent in the UFC. Diaz was supposed to fight St-Pierre last year but failed to live up to his contractual obligations and was replaced by Carlos Condit. Top contender Johny Hendricks, fresh off two straight knockout wins, faces hard-hitting Jake Ellenberger (7-2 UFC). Hendricks told media he wouldn't fight again unless it was for St-Pierre's title but with Diaz skipping line he's accepted a bout with fringe top ten welterweight Ellenberger instead. Hendricks just knocked out Martin Kampmann, who handed Ellenberger his last loss two fights ago. Top prospect Rory MacDonald will rematch Carlos Condit, the only man to defeat him in MMA. MacDonald faced Condit in just his second UFC fight, dominating the first two rounds before running out of energy and succumbing to Condit's strikes in the third round. MacDonald called-out Condit following his last win, also in Montreal. Condit is coming off a failed title bid against St-Pierre in November. Also announced is the expected Patrick Cote vs. Alessio Sakara rematch. Their last bout in Montreal resulted in a disqualification following several illegal rabbit punches by Sakara. Prior to that Sakara had Cote on rubber legs and looked to be in a position to be the first fighter to stop Cote within the distance. Sakara's camp filed a complaint following the disqualification that was dismissed by the Quebec Athletic Commission, so his opportunity to make things right will have to be inside the Octagon. Montreal natives John Makdessi and Francis Carmont are also expected to fight at this event.
Re: 4 fights set for UFC 158: GSP/Diaz, Condit/Rory, Hendricks/Juggernaut, Cote/Sakar Dana White defended his decision to grant GSP the Diaz fight as follows: "The guy's never asked us for anything. He's an awesome champion. He does anything we ask of him. He asked us for a favor. So, he wants to fight Diaz? It's not like people don't want to see it." Pretty much what we already knew--GSP called in a favour and the UFC was only too happy to oblige. I mean, it is a bigger money fight for the UFC and Hendricks can wait. In the meantime, White has officially declared the Ellenberger fight a title eliminator for Hendricks--win and he's got his shot. Presumably. GSP could lose to Diaz or the fight could end without a satisfactory conclusion. Who knows? One thing is for sure--putting Hendricks on the same card means the UFC is setting up a backup plan in case Diaz flakes out again or the fight falls apart for any other reason.
Re: 4 fights set for UFC 158: GSP/Diaz, Condit/Rory, Hendricks/Juggernaut, Cote/Sakar Dana White said that there are nine welterweights competing on five scheduled fights, meaning one will be fighting up or down (Koscheck?). Still leaves another WW fight to be announced. Could be Kampmann/Alves 2 or something like that.
Re: 4 fights set for UFC 158: GSP/Diaz, Condit/Rory, Hendricks/Juggernaut, Cote/Sakar Juggernaut is a good match-up for Hendricks. Looking forward to that one. Don't see Hendricks bombing him out like he has his last two opponents.
Re: 4 fights set for UFC 158: GSP/Diaz, Condit/Rory, Hendricks/Juggernaut, Cote/Sakar Juggernaut's chin is suspect. I think Hendricks gets the KO, again. Loving this card so far.
