The main event of Saturday's UFC 158 PPV featured a welterweight grudge match between champion Georges St-Pierre (23-2) and challenger Nick Diaz (27-8-1). In the weeks leading up to the PPV, Diaz got under GSP's skin with some of the most obnoxious comments in recent UFC history. These remarks, especially at the final UFC 158 presser, greatly upset St-Pierre to the point where he declared that Diaz would receive the worst beating in UFC history. Although GSP was unable to fulfill this vow, he still came out of the PPV the welterweight champion. According to a March 16 report by MMAWeekly.com, Georges St-Pierre defeated Nick Diaz via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
Round one opened with no glove touch between the two fighters due to their bad blood. GSP quickly took down Diaz and gained control of the fight. Although Diaz had some success in defending himself on the ground, GSP remained in control throughout the round as he landed some solid strikes. St-Pierre easily won the round 10-9.
Round two was more of the same as GSP was able to quickly take down Diaz and control the fight. Despite Diaz landing a few more strikes in this round than the first round, St-Pierre easily took this round 10-9 with a smothering ground attack.
In round three, Diaz was able to do a better job defending GSP's takedown attempts. This forces St-Pierre to stand up and exchange strikes, which was Diaz's goal for the fight. Both men were able to land some solid shots in this round. Just as Diaz was gaining some momentum, and looking to steal the round, GSP slams him and controls the closing moments to take the round 10-9. And just like the first two rounds, Diaz tries to swing at GSP after the round ends. However, the referee ends up warning Diaz this time and threatens DQ if it happens again.
Round four opens with more action as both men look to exchange punches. Diaz appeared to be more the fresher fighter as he landed more punches. But, like the first 3 rounds, GSP was able to take down Diaz multiple times late in the round to take it 10-9.
The final round saw a more desperate Diaz. Despite being able to land more strikes in the round, Diaz was unable to avoid the takedown. The pro-GSP crowd was chanting obscenities at Diaz as the round closed with St-Pierre completely in control. The judges scored this round 10-9 as well, giving GSP a clean sweep in the fight.
The two fighters showed some respect for each other after the fight ended. This was a huge contrast compared to what Diaz said about GSP leading up to the fight. The fact that St-Pierre was able to hold up Diaz's arm afterwards showed that he was a true professional despite being really disgusted with Diaz prior to the fight.
Johny Hendricks appears to be the next challenger for St-Pierre's welterweight title as Hendricks defeated Carlos Condit via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in the semi-main event of the night. Fight Sports Examiner will have more news and analysis after the UFC 158 post-fight press conference.
Here are the results for the rest of UFC 158:
Main card Bouts on PPV
- Johny Hendricks defeated Carlos Condit via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jake Ellenberger defeated Nate Marquardt via KO at 3:00 of Round 1
- Chris Camozzi defeated Nick Ring via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Mike Ricci defeated Colin Fletcher via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Preliminary Bouts on FX:
- Patrick Cote defeated Bobby Voelker via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Darren Elkins defeated Antonio Carvalho via TKO at 3:06 of Round 1
- Jordan Mein defeated Dan Miller via TKO at 4:42 of Round 1
- John Makdessi defeated Daron Cruickshank via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Bouts on Facebook:
- Rick Story defeated Quinn Mulhern via TKO at 3:05 of Round 1
- T.J. Dillashaw defeated Issei Tamura via KO at :26 of Round 2
- George Roop defeated Reuben Duran via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
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