In shocking news, former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz has been removed from his originally scheduled title fight with Georges St. Pierre at UFC 137. But he isn't removed because of injury or other changes to the card. Instead, UFC President Dana White stripped Diaz of his opportunity for multiple failures to show up for a long-scheduled press tour, not returning calls and being generally M.I.A.
According to White, who stated at today's presser in Las Vegas he's promoted over 1,600 fights, this is the first time he's ever had to remove a fighter from a title opportunity due to inability to professionally promote a fight and act in accordance with professional levels of fighter conduct.
For his part, Condit allegedly cried when he heard the news he would receive Diaz's title shot. On Twitter, he expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity and gratitude to UFC brass:
I can't express how excited I am to finally be fighting for the @ufc title. Its been a long road. Much thank… (cont) http://t.co/pnGYD8y
Condit was originally scheduled to face B.J. Penn at UFC 137. There is no word yet on who Penn will face.