Yesterday, numerous Mixed Martial Arts outlets reported that in October, UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre will defend his championship against current Strikeforce kingpin and former UFC fighter Nick Diaz in Las Vegas at UFC 137. This will be the first time since the Zuffa takeover of Strikeforce that a current champion from the promotion will take on a UFC counterpart, where numerous things (not to mention bragging rights) will be on the line.
One of the main reasons why this fight will happen is a deficiency of challengers to St. Pierre's title, the French Canadian having disposed of the man most believed was the greatest challenge to his title, Jake Shields, via unanimous decision at UFC 129 in Toronto in April.
Another reason for this no doubt, is UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva's defense of his title against Japanese fighter Yushin Okami at UFC 134 in Rio De Janeiro, in Brazil in August.
For years, we have anticipated a match between the 2 UFC champions to see who is the sports greatest "pound for pound" king. Numerous reasons have stalled it, from challengers to both fighters titles to St. Pierre's reluctance to move up in weight, St. Pierre comparing it to Roy Jones' late career move to Heavyweight and subsequent move back down to Light Heavyweight that probably ended the greatness of the boxer's career. UFC President Dana White has teased fans with the potential matchup, saying it will happen now that both fighters have "cleaned the cupboard" of challengers in their respective weight divisions.
Still, through it all the fight remains something from myth or legend. Fans argue over it on numerous website message boards from MMAJunkie to Sherdog. Saying that will happen, this may happen or something out of the ordinary will captivate our attention.
So, why hasn't this fight happened already? Why doesn't Dana White put his 2 biggest MMA draws in the cage to settle it, once and for all?
The answer is simple : It might be the sport's answer to a boxing match that has been teased time and time again : Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao.
Now, I'm not talking drug tests or legal issues that tie that potential superfight up. But, it is interesting to note that like St. Pierre and Silva, the 2 boxers have cleaned out the cupboard of potential challengers, fought similar fighters (like Shane Mosley) and yet, can't seem to get past the logistics that would make them end up in the ring. A huge payday might actually bring Mayweather to his senses (he is nicknamed "Money" after all) and get past the Olympic style blood test he keeps pushing on Pacquiao to get in the ring.
So, let me just say this folks : Despite all the problems, Sports enthusiasts and columnists all over are convinced that Mayweather and Pacquiao will fight. Some have even been so bold as to say it will happen in the next year or so. My only hope is that eventually, Dana White gets past all the smoke and mirrors, and does exactly what Boxing fans have wanted Mayweather and Pacquiao to do all along : Get the 2 biggest draws of his sport to settle it once and for all, in the cage.
-In other news, injuries seem to have caught UFC fighters like a bug. Anthony "Rumble" Johnson has had to pull out of the UFC on Versus 4 main event slated to take place June 26th in Pittsburgh. In his place steps in Rick Story, who manhandled former Welterweight challenger Thiago Alves at UFC 130. He'll face Nate Marquardt, who's dropping from 185 to 170 lbs. Also, former WEC fighter Cub Swanson has had to drop out of his UFC 132 fight due to injury, as Rick Koch will either face another opponent or be pulled from the card. Both reported by MMAJunkie.
- Demitirous "Mighty Mouse" Johnson didn't just break the spirit of former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres in their fight at UFC 130. MMAJunkie reports that he did so with a broken bone in his leg, as a huge leg kick that Torres checked in the second round, Johnson said he heard a crunch and "figured it might be broken. Doctors said a six-to-eight week window is standard, but if he keeps rested and recuperated, he might be walking within a matter of 3 weeks. Right now however, he is zooming around on a scooter (my cousin also had one of those motorized things. They're actually pretty cool).
-The "Pride" style rules "Colosseo Championship Fighting 6" has found a venue in Alberta, Junkie reported. It will take place at the Sangudo Arena in Sangudo, Alberta on July 23rd. Well, this move doesn't surprise me at all : Not only will it be something that will possibly make Mixed Martial Arts look brutal, its also taking place in a town I've never heard of. And I used to live in Alberta!.
Questions? Comments? Leave one at the bottom or email me at mmarmaggedon@gmail.com. Or feel free to follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/mmarmaggedon.
Until Next time, fight fans!
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