UFC 143

Lore & Background

The main event of UFC 143 was originally set to feature welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre defending his title against Nick Diaz. However, on December 7, 2011, it was revealed that St-Pierre was injured and could not fight. Diaz instead faced Carlos Condit, who had been scheduled to fight Josh Koscheck. Koscheck was then matched with Mike Pierce at this event.

An episode of UFC Primetime returned to promote the main event. In the featherweight division, Erik Koch was expected to fight Dustin Poirier, but was injured and was to be replaced by Ricardo Lamas. However, Lamas ended up injured as well and was replaced by future UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway, who made his UFC debut in this event. Amir Sadollah was scheduled to fight Jorge Lopez but was replaced by Matthew Riddle due to injury. Justin Edwards was expected to face Stephen Thompson, but was injured and replaced by Daniel Stittgen.

Reader's Guide

Main Event: Carlos Condit defeated Nick Diaz by decision (unanimous) — Condit earned $110,000, Diaz earned $200,000. Co-Main Event: Fabrício Werdum defeated Roy Nelson by decision (unanimous) — Werdum earned $100,000, Nelson earned $20,000. This bout won Fight of the Night. Notable: Dustin Poirier defeated Max Holloway by submission (armbar) in Round 1 — Poirier earned $24,000, Holloway earned $6,000. Poirier won Submission of the Night. Notable: Stephen Thompson defeated Dan Stittgen by TKO (punches) in Round 1 — Thompson earned $12,000, Stittgen earned $6,000. Thompson won Knockout of the Night.