UFC fans are going to have to wait longer than expected to see the welterweight showdown between reigning 170-pound champion Matt Serra and former titleholder Matt Hughes.

December 29 to be exact ... six months from now.

That's the word from a recent post Hughes made on his Web site, which was also corroborated by Nick Serra -- Matt Serra's brother -- on the Underground forum.

Here's the snip from Hughes (via FiveOuncesofPain):

"I have been told that it will be in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve. I do not know where yet, MGM or Mandalay Bay. I would not make plans yet — just letting you know, matt"

Both Matt's are currently taping The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 6 reality series, for which both are opposing coaches.

That season is scheduled to feature 16 welterweight prospects and debut in August or September 2007.

It's quite a while to wait for the showdown, considering Hughes last competed in March and Serra in April. Maybe it's part of a big New Year's Eve extravaganza.

Only time will tell ... it's just a very long time to wait.