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[Sakara=Excitement]

Report: Georges St-Pierre vs. Dan Hardy targeted for UFC 111 in New Jersey | MMAjunkie.com

As MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com) first reported earlier this month, the UFC is planning a return trip to New Jersey in March.

Now it appears the main event has been selected, as well.

Georges St-Pierre (19-2 MMA, 13-2 UFC) will put his welterweight title on the line against British challenger Dan Hardy (23-6 MMA, 4-0 UFC) at the as-yet-unannounced event, according to a report by AOL FanHouse.

MMAjunkie.com could not immediately confirm the report.

The New Jersey event is expected to take place at the Prudential Center, which was home to UFC 78 in November 2007, and presumably would be dubbed UFC 111.

However, the UFC has made no official announcement regarding the show. Additionally, though "there have been discussions about a date and location," Nick Lembo of the New Jersey Athletic Control Board told MMAjunkie.com no event has been finalized.

In a recent appearance on MMAjunkie.com Radio, UFC president Dana White had stated the St-Pierre vs. Hardy bout would take place in February. Coupled with comments made at a UFC 106 Fight Club Q&A session, White's comments fueled speculation that the contest could take place in Australia, though the organization has typically contested title on U.S. soil.

St-Pierre carries a six-fight winning streak into the contest. By March, the Canadian will have been on the shelf for eight months while recovering from a groin injury suffered in a July contest with Thiago Alves.

St-Pierre recently appeared in the U.K. at a UFC 105 Fight Club Q&A session and proclaimed himself 100 percent fit.

Meanwhile, Hardy has won seven-straight contests overall. That streak includes a perfect 4-0 mark in the UFC. The British slugger defeated Mike Swick earlier this month at UFC 105 to earn his way into the welterweight title match.

Josh Koscheck, who defeated Anthony Johnson in impressive fashion at this past week's UFC 106 event, has openly questioned why Hardy was selected as St-Pierre's next opponent. White told MMAjunkie.com after the event that while Koscheck's performance put him "in the mix," Hardy was indeed the next title challenger.

"We already announced the Hardy fight," White told MMAjunkie.com in the post-fight presser. "Hardy gets the next fight. But when I say Koscheck is in the mix, he'd be in the mix anyway. He's one of the best 170-pounders in the world and has been for a while."

[MMA4EVERRR]

Well it's not NY but jersy is right across the bridge for me. Hopefully this can be my first live UFC show. Can't wait!!!

[KevoOnTheRadio]

Wow, New jersey? With all due respect, why don't they just hold the fights in a landfill? At least it will smell better. And I said with all due respect so you can't get mad at me for saying that. Everybody was thinking it anyway.

[greggo]

Originally Posted by KevoOnTheRadio

Wow, New jersey? With all due respect, why don't they just hold the fights in a landfill? At least it will smell better. And I said with all due respect so you can't get mad at me for saying that. Everybody was thinking it anyway.

Since I grew up there, I take some offense to it - but not much.

NJ is a very densely populated state, it's not a huge trip for people in most areas since the state is small and it could sell out if the sport has moved into more popular waters. Also, it's a state where boxing and MMA have been sanctioned and happening for years...so it's got that cred too.

I'd be surprised if it didn't sell well personally...but besides all that, this is a lame fight, but it has that bang factor because Hardy really does have some power in those hands. That being said, he'll spend the few minutes of the fight standing being kicked and abused by a long speedy jab before he swings a counter left while GSP is changing levels for the takedown, and he spends the rest of the fight on his back.

[MMA4EVERRR]

Not offended.. Nj is a craphole... Would b better if it was held in AC but I'm sure it will be in continental arena, where the nj nets play. O well I'm sure if it was in ny at MSG the ticket prices would 2-3x more.

[greggo]

Originally Posted by MMA4EVERRR

Not offended.. Nj is a craphole... Would b better if it was held in AC but I'm sure it will be in continental arena, where the nj nets play. O well I'm sure if it was in ny at MSG the ticket prices would 2-3x more.

Nah, the article says the Prudential Center...the spot they built in Newark.

[yanksfan924]

dont matter where it gonna be help gsp is gonna murder dan hardy his english accent will be fix after this fight

[gersb260]

There are a ton of mma fans in the tri-state area (myself included) who would be more than willing to make the trek to the brick. Its not MSG but its still a UFC card just across the river. Sounds like a plan to me

[jlruthven84]

GSP by riddum, round 2.

[willpunisher]

oh hell yes!
i'm def going!!!
they should put 2 big brazilian names on this card and i'm pretty sure they will a lot of seats. cuz prudential center in newark is surrounded by brazilians and other hispanics.
Maybe Alves will be recuperated by than, gonzaga too...
hope the card will be worth the ticket price!