Carlos Condit issues statement on Johny Hendricks UFC 158 fight: 'Now is his chance to try to back his talk up'

Time to put your money where your mouth is, Mr. Rigg.

Top Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight contender, Johny Hendricks, has left Jake Ellenberger behind and stepped up to fight Carlos Condit at the UFC 158: "St. Pierre vs. Diaz" pay-per-view (PPV) on March 16, 2013 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

See how that fight came together here.

That's just fine with "The Natural Born Killer," who's a little bummed that he doesn't get the chance to go up 2-0 on "Ares," but has no problem giving the fans a "great fight" while also giving Hendricks the opportunity to back up all that chatter in recent months.

Condit issues a statement through First Round Management:

"While I was disappointed to hear that Rory MacDonald is injured, I am glad that the UFC was able to find a strong replacement for the fight in Johny Hendricks. He is one of the toughest Welterweights in the world, and has quickly risen up the ladder in our division. We are similar in that we like to stay active and aggressive in our fights, so this should be a great fight for the fans to watch. I have been training for Rory MacDonald, but there is plenty of time left to switch my focus to Hendricks. With eight weeks left, I will need every moment to be fully prepared for this battle. He's called me out in the past, and now is his chance to try to back that talk up. I'll be ready for him."

Despite landing a head kick that made most Canadian mixed martial arts (MMA) fans recoil in fear, Condit was unable to overcome the offense of Georges St. Pierre in their five-round title fight at UFC 154 last November.

The former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) welterweight champion is gunning for another crack at the crown and beating the 14-1 Hendricks, the winner of five straight with three violent finishes, would undoubtedly make a compelling argument for a rematch.

Especially if Nick Diaz prevails.

UFC 158 will feature the long awaited welterweight championship showdown that pits reigning 170-pound king, St. Pierre, in the main event against former Strikeforce head cheese and resident Stockton bad boy, Diaz.

For the latest and greatest UFC 158-related news and notes check out our complete event archive right here. And to check out the latest "St. Pierre vs. Diaz" fight card and rumors click here.