The biggest welterweight scrap in mixed martial arts history is official … again. During Saturday’s broadcast of “The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale,” it was confirmed welterweight king Georges St-Pierre (Pictured) will defend his crown against Nick Diaz at UFC 158.
The March 16th blockbuster takes place in GSP’s backyard at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The rivals were slated to meet in the most anticipated 170-pound affair in MMA history at UFC 137. However, Diaz was yanked from the pay-per-view broadcast after ditching back-to-back “beauty pageants” to promote the October 2011 extravaganza.
The organization ultimately rescheduled the contest for UFC 147, but St-Pierre was forced to bow out with a torn ACL. Diaz was then assigned to headline the February contest opposite Carlos Condit for the interim welterweight title.
Diaz ended up losing a unanimous decision and was so baffled by the verdict that he threatened to retire from the sport. A few weeks later, the 29-year-old was busted for having marijuana metabolites in his system for the second time in five years.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission subsequently banned Mr. 209 for one year. Diaz has been riding the pine ever since. He’ll be eligible to reapply for licensing as early as February 4th, 2013.
St-Pierre ended his 19-month hiatus in triumphant fashion by unifying the welterweight belt against Condit at UFC 154.
Speaking of Condit, “The Natural Born Killer” will grant Rory MacDonald a rematch in the night’s co-main event.
In addition, another welterweight thriller between Jake Ellenberger and Johny Hendricks was added to the star-studded lineup on Saturday.
Here is the card’s current roster:
Patrick Cote vs. Alessio Sakara
Jake Ellenberger vs. Johny Hendricks
Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald
Nick Diaz vs. Georges St-Pierre (UFC welterweight champion)
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December 14, 2012
