St. Pierre vs. Hardy, Mir vs. Carwin Official For UFC 111 On March 27
The UFC officially announced on Monday two title fights for its UFC 111 event on March 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre will defend his belt against rising star Dan Hardy, and Frank Mir will take on Shane Carwin for the interim heavyweight title.
St. Pierre has not fought since suffering a groin injury during his unanimous decision win over Thiago Alves at UFC 100 in July. Now that the injury is healed up, he will be looking to successfully defend his belt for the fourth time since regaining it in April 2008.
“Dan Hardy is a very worthy contender and I’m preparing for a war,” said St. Pierre. “He is hungry for the title and that makes him very dangerous, but I’m just as hungry to keep the belt and I am going to train and fight like I am the challenger on March 27th.”
The UK challenger Hardy has turned heads since making his Octagon debut in October 2008. With four consecutive victories in the UFC, he has become the first British fighter to earn a shot at a UFC title.
“I think I am underestimated by the fans a little,” said Hardy. “But GSP is smart enough to realize that I could knock him out with either hand. He will come fully prepared and I expect to face the very best GSP in March – and I wouldn’t want it any other way. When I came into the UFC in October 2008, I didn’t expect to be the first Briton to fight for a UFC world title, but I am proud to make a little bit of history. But the real prize is becoming the first British UFC champion and that’s what is going to happen.”
Additional bouts for the event should be soon announced by the organization.
Related posts:
- Mike Swick to Replace Dong Hyun Kim Against Dan Hardy at UFC 105
- Shane Carwin vs. Frank Mir Likely For UFC 111 in March 2010
- Georges St. Pierre Wins Sportsnet Canadian Athlete of the Year Award
- Ken Shamrock vs. Seth Petruzelli Set For IUF Event In Mexico On March 6
- Georges St. Pierre Won't Need Surgery For Groin Injury
