Former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz foreited his title shot against reigning UFC Welterweight Champion George St-Pierre in the main event at the upcoming UFC 137 when he failed to show up at two pre-fight press conferences in Toronto and Las Vegas on Tuesday. UFC President Dana White punished Diaz by giving his spot on the fight card to Carlos Condit, then announced Thursday night that Diaz would take on Condit's orginal opponent, former UFC Light- and Middleweight Champion BJ Penn.
Although Jon Fitch was rumored to face Penn in Condit's place White must have realized that nothing sells more tickets than a controversy. This chance for redemption might feel more like getting detention at the UFC school for Diaz, though, as GSP has been his target ever since he vacated his Strikeforce title five months ago.
“He wants to fight GSP," said Cesar Gracie, Diaz' coach and manager. "He wants to beat that guy up. But BJ Penn is a different story, I think he has more respect for BJ. He isn’t a juice head and he actually tries technique in a fight. Georges St. Pierre is the bigger fighter, but [Penn] is the better fighter.”
Nevertheless, Diaz has no one but himself to blame for the loss of this golden opportunity.
Penn has taken a rather indifferent stance about the drama surrounding his new opponent. For him it's clearly business as usual.
In an attempt to soften the blow White announced that Penn vs. Diaz will be the co-main event at UFC 137 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Oct. 29. Further fight card changes can certainly be expected before then.
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