Replacing the injured Matt Serra, Georges St-Pierre (14-2) has stepped up to the plate and will now fight Matt Hughes at UFC 79 for Interim Welterweight Title. Georges St-Pierre has previously defeated and been defeated by Matt Hughes, so at least the UFC’s name for the event “Nemesis” will still make sense.

Dana White:

“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. 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.”

said UFC President Dana White.

Georges St-Pierre:

“I’m so excited to get this fight,” said St-Pierre. “I’m fighting Matt Hughes for the interim title right now, and then after that I’m going to go after Serra. I’ve wanted that rematch against Serra, and this is the best scenario that can happen.”

Matt Serra:

“I can’t believe the position this puts me in,” said the New Yorker, who won the title from St-Pierre and was looking forward to settling the score with the man he has been coaching against and trading barbs with on the sixth season of The Ultimate Fighter, Hughes. “I’m actually rooting for Matt Hughes so I can beat his ass.”

Matt Hughes:

“I think there are a few things that will be in my favor in doing this. I get to fight in Vegas, what I consider my home fighting area, NOT Canada. 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. 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!”

source: UFC.com & Matt-Hughes.com.
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