UFC President Dana White confirmed this week that Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz will vacate his title prior to fighting Georges St. Pierre for UFC’s version of the belt this fall.
Diaz, whose UFC 137 fight with St. Pierre falls under a new contract with Zuffa, will now be viewed as a UFC fighter, even sources reporting on his new contract originally said it enabled him to fight in both organizations.
White told MMAWeekly that two contenders will be named to challenge for the vacated championship, and that while Diaz could return to Strikeforce at some point, he is strictly a UFC fighter at present.
— Speaking to the press Thursday, White also confirmed a new ruling that all main-events made from this point forward, regardless of whether or not they are for a title, will be five round affairs. The change does not apply to bouts like Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis that were already contracted at three rounds.
