Hughes picked fight with St. Pierre

Posted 25 Nov 2007 in Dana White, Georges St. Pierre, Matt Hughes, UFC 79

Photo: Matt-Hughes.com

With Matt Serra having to drop out of his bout against Matt Hughes on December 29th, there wasn’t a long list of fighters willing to jump into the cage to fight Hughes on just over a month’s notice. “I found out and was told that I get to basically pick my opponent”, comments Hughes on his website. “The UFC had called some welterweights, some said they wouldn’t take the fight; but ultimately I got to choose and I chose Georges St. Pierre. I asked to fight GSP.

A couple of factors may have made Hughes feel this is the most opportune time to for a rubber match with St. Pierre. One is not having to fight in St. Pierre’s hometown of Montreal, which the UFC was rumored to be scouting as the location for St. Pierre to fight the winner of Hughes versus Serra. “I think there are a few things that will be in my favor in doing this”, says Hughes. “I get to fight in Vegas, what I consider my home fighting area, NOT Canada.”

And the second reason why Hughes may feel this is the most advantageous time to avenge his loss to St. Pierre is that the French-Canadian is not preparing for a fight right now, and thus is caught somewhat by surprise. “I don’t think it’s a big deal to switch an opponent over a month out, it’s just not a concern for me”, comments on him now preparing for a new opponent. “Before I was fighting a guy holding the belt, now I’m fighting a guy that I consider number two in the world. Anyone who thinks this fight will be like the second fight with GSP will be shown wrong on December 29th. THIS IS MY FIGHT!”

The UFC will be holding a media conference today at 1pm Pacific with Georges St. Pierre, Matt Hughes and UFC President Dana White to discuss the upcoming interim title fight and the UFC 79 card.