Google H-Planet

UFC Replaces Serra With Marquee Opponent
Story reported by Brian Cantor of Headline Planet
Saturday, November 24 2007
Hughes to fight Serra replacement for interim title

UFC announced Saturday that former Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre will replace the injured Matt Serra at UFC 79.

St. Pierre will fight Matt Hughes, Serra's scheduled opponent, in a bout for the interim UFC Welterweight belt. When Serra recovers from his herniated disc injury, a title unification bout will be held.

“Obviously, the loss of Matt Serra was brutal, but the great thing about the UFC is that we can put together great fights like Hughes-St-Pierre at a moment’s notice and bounce right back,” said UFC President Dana White. “I have the utmost respect for both Hughes and St-Pierre for stepping up for this fight, and not only are the fans going to see two of the greatest welterweights of all-time settle their score in a rubber match, but they're going to do it in a five round interim title fight, and the winner is going to face off next year against Matt Serra for the undisputed title.”

Hughes and St. Pierre share a 1-1 record against each other. Hughes submitted St. Pierre in the first round of their UFC 50 bout, but St. Pierre answered back by TKO'ing Hughes in the second round at UFC 65.

News Options:
Full MMA Newsboard
Return to Headline Planet.com


View All News:Wrestling :: MMA :: Entertainment