Georges St Pierre has been forced to withdraw from defending his title at UFC 137 after sustaining a knee injury in training, leaving Carlos Condit the welterweight title challenger, in limbo.
UFC President Dana White put out a disappointed message on social networking site twitter that the leading welterweight in the world – GSP – removed himself from the UFC 137 main event.
As a result, it is ironic that Nick Diaz, initially scheduled to face GSP, now steps into the main event against BJ Penn. The rescheduled main event is likely to affect the ppv figures.
Condit has removed himself from the card altogether as he wishes to wait for a title shot against GSP. It is understood that Condit will be the first opponent for GSP when he is fit again.
Condit said: "I have trained for over a decade in mixed martial arts with the clear goal of becoming the best fighter in the world at my weight class. I have worked this long to become the UFC Welterweight Champion. I will work a little longer."
“I am greatly disappointed, for both myself and UFC fans, that I will no longer be fighting for the Welterweight title at UFC 137, but I also understand that injuries are a part of this business.
"As a professional fighter, it is my job to be prepared for any and all circumstances, positive and negative, that come my way during training and the actual fight. Georges is a great competitor and I know that he will want to return to 100 percent health as soon as possible so that this fight can be rescheduled.
This is the best training camp I have ever had, and I look forward to carrying over the growth that I’ve experienced in this camp to my next one."
Malki Kawa, Condit’s agent, claimed GSP against Condit "is the best match-up at this weight class".
"Carlos is hungry for the title shot and when this fight is rescheduled, he will be ready to show the world what made him the top contender,” said Kawa.
White tweet: I just landed in New York City, and what do I always say? I have to deal with bad [stuff] every day. GSP is out with an injury!!!”
There have been numerous injuries to top level fighters this year. Losing GSP will definitely hurt the PPV buy rate for 137. With the UFC planning 34 events in 2012, alongside its new 7-year television partnership with Fox, this is a stark reminder that events can be hugely affected by the twist of an ankle, or in some cases a cut.
Injuries to leading lights this year, who have had to pull out: Cain Velasquez, Brock Lesnar, Jon Jones, Rashad Evans, and now GSP.
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