UFC 143 Preview: Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit

194

By Jaime C. Feal

After the disappointing fights that millions of viewers endured last Saturday watching ‘UFC on Fox 2,’ Zuffa will be very pleased to have such an exciting main event for the very next pay-per-view. This Saturday, February 4, live from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, is a can’t-miss headliner between Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit for the interim UFC Welterweight Championship. Both fighters have extremely aggressive, crowd-pleasing styles, which clash nicely and make for a very exciting fight. This could not come at a better time for Dana White and the UFC, who desperately want to get fans out of their seats again with something to scream about.

Middleweight Division (185 lbs.):

Ed “Short Fuse” Herman (19-8, 6-5 UFC) vs. Clifford Starks (8-0, 1-0 UFC)

Starks’ gaudy record is misleading as he hasn’t beaten any noteworthy opponents. Furthermore, his lone win inside the Octagon was on the undercard against the equally unknown Dustin Jacoby. A former collegiate wrestler at Arizona State University, Starks will be looking to take this fight to the mat early and often. He faces by far the biggest challenge of his career in Ed Herman. “Short Fuse” has been around since The Ultimate Fighter Season 2, and while he is not an elite middleweight, he has both talent and experience. Herman has power in his hands, and is also physically strong for the division. Look for Starks to come up short is his biggest test yet.

Prediction: Ed “Short Fuse” Herman wins by unanimous decision.

Bantamweight Division (135 lbs.):

Renan “Barao” Pegado (27-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Scott “Young Guns” Jorgensen (13-4, 2-0 UFC)

The lighter weight classes have consistently delivered explosive, fast-paced, and wildly entertaining bouts. This bantamweight scrap figures to be no different. Pegado is on an insane 17 fight win streak, and “Young Guns” Jorgesen has destroyed everyone he’s faced in the last three years outside of bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz. Jorgensen is primarily a stand-up fighter, although he does possess good chokes, and will want to keep this fight on the feet. If “Barao” gets it to the ground it’s going to be over for Jorgensen, who simply does not have the pedigree to compete with the Brazilian on the mat. Expect the fight to be highly competitive at the start, with Pegado seizing an opportunity late to elicit the tap.

Prediction: Renan “Barao” Pegado wins by Submission, Round 3.

Welterweight Division (170 lbs.):

Josh “Kos” Koscheck (16-5, 14-5 UFC) vs. Mike Pierce (13-4, 6-2 UFC)

Koscheck has fallen short twice in meetings with Georges St. Pierre, but outside of GSP there may be no man in the welterweight division who can out-wrestle “Kos.” Koscheck, a former All-American wrestler, has superb athleticism and a devastating overhand right to boot. Often times he falls in love with this overhand right, which he does not set up with combinations due to his one-punch knockout power. Against Pierce, he faces a grinder whose only two UFC losses have come against elite wrestlers Jon Fitch and Johny Hendricks. Both Fitch and Hendricks were able to out-wrestle Pierce en route to decision victories. Koscheck needs to follow the blueprint and use his elite wrestling to take down Pierce and pound out a win.

Prediction: Josh Koscheck wins by TKO, Round 3.

Heavyweight Division (265 lbs.):

Roy “Big Country” Nelson (16-6, 3-2 UFC) vs. Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (14-5-1, 2-2 UFC)

Nelson is coming off a solid win where he stopped Mirko Cro Cop by TKO, and has always displayed tremendous power in his hands. A BJJ Black Belt, Nelson is best when smothering opponents and using top control, often working for a mounted crucifix position. Werdum lacks the stand up skills Nelson has, but his ground game is more diverse. If Werdum gets on top of Nelson, it will be an absolute nightmare for “Big Country.” Conversly, Werdum has great guard skills and will have no problem if Nelson takes him down. One needs to look no further than when Werdum submitted the great Fedor Emelianenko, derailing Fedor’s legendary win streak with a triangle-armbar from the guard. “Vai Cavalo” is so dangerous on the ground that Nelson would be wise to make it a stand-up war. But the rotund one is too confident in his ground game, and will attempt to take Werdum down, ultimately spelling the end for “Big Country.”

Prediction: Fabricio Werdum wins by Submission, Round 2.

UFC Interim Welterweight Championship (170 lbs.):

Nick Diaz (26-7, 7-4 UFC) vs. Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit (27-5, 4-1 UFC)

With UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre on the shelf due to an injury, Diaz and Condit fight for the interim title. The winner presumably gets GSP in late 2012 for a title unification bout. Both Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit are on winning streaks, which makes this fight all the more intriguing. Diaz is currently riding a crazy eleven fight win streak, with his most recent win over UFC legend BJ Penn. What Diaz did in the Penn fight was nothing short of scintillating, literally breaking Penn’s will with incredible cardio and volume punching. Condit has looked nasty of late, too, and is on a four fight win-streak. Condit’s last two performances have been spectacular knockouts of Dong Hyun Kim and Dan Hardy. The only caveat is that due to fight shuffling and injuries, Condit has not been in the Octagon in about six months, and cage rust could be a factor.

The great thing about this fight is both welterweights are very aggressive and confident in every facet of their game. What this means for the fans is two fighters who will push the pace, and won’t be afraid to be taken down as they are comfortable with wherever the fight goes. This is the antithesis of what happened last Saturday on ‘UFC on Fox 2,’ where we saw conservative, one-dimensional fighters putting on boring fights. Both Diaz and Condit are so well-rounded, so gritty, and so tough, the fact it’s a full five round title fight is important. The fight figures to go into the championship rounds unless someone gets caught early. Diaz loves to come forward and put his hands on you. Similarly, Condit has very solid Muay Thai and will be looking to land knees and counters. If the fight is remotely close to even on the feet, both combatants will willingly stand and trade. It is only if Diaz starts to wear on Condit in the stand-up that “The Natural Born Killer” will look to take Diaz down.

But Condit would open up a whole new set of problems if he does so. A Cesar Gracie black-belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Nick Diaz’s ground game is elite, as he demonstrated in masterfully defending against BJ Penn’s back control in Round 1 of their epic fight. That was no small feat, as Penn may have the best back control of any mixed martial artist in the history of the UFC. Condit is no slouch with his jiu-jitsu, but one has to think Diaz is the more dangerous ground fighter. Simply stated, it would be an absolute shocker if Condit tapped out Nick Diaz, as Diaz has never been submitted in his career. The much more likely scenario is the two men testing each other on the feet, and if Diaz can avoid getting caught early, his cardio and superior boxing will get to Condit in the championship rounds.

Prediction: Nick Diaz wins by TKO, Round 4.

194 Comments

  1. EmersonEntic
    10/29/2024,

    mexican drugstore online [url=https://mexicanpharm1st.com/#]п»їbest mexican online pharmacies[/url] mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs

  6. HarryPogma
    10/31/2024,

    pin up zerkalo [url=https://pinupzerkalo.fun/#]Официальный Сайт[/url] пин ап казино

  10. HarryPogma
    11/01/2024,

    pin up 306 [url=http://pinup-az.bid/#]pin up[/url] pin up 306

  20. Brandonedush
    11/05/2024,

    dysfunction erectile: cheap pharmacy – ed meds online without doctor prescription

  24. Brandonedush
    11/05/2024,

    how to overcome ed naturally: cheap drugs – comfortis without vet prescription

  25. Leroyaddek
    11/06/2024,

    best india pharmacy [url=https://indianpharm24.pro/#]India pharmacy international[/url] buy medicines online in india

  33. Larryeroro
    11/08/2024,

    ultrabet tr online [url=http://ultrabet-tr.online/#]ultrabet tr online[/url] ultrabet tr online

  38. Larryeroro
    11/09/2024,

    matadorbet [url=https://matadorbet.bid/#]matadorbet bid[/url] matadorbet.bid

  40. Larryeroro
    11/10/2024,

    az parayla cok kazandiran slot oyunlar? [url=https://slot-tr.online/#]en cok kazand?ran slot oyunlar?[/url] slot siteleri

  43. Larryeroro
    11/10/2024,

    casino siteleri win [url=https://casinositeleri.win/#]Deneme Bonusu Veren Siteler[/url] Deneme Bonusu Veren Siteler

  45. Larryeroro
    11/11/2024,

    ultrabet yeni giris 1125 [url=https://ultrabet-tr.online/#]ultrabet bonus[/url] ultrabet bonus

  58. Curtispam
    11/13/2024,

    semaglutide [url=https://rybpharm.com/#]buy rybelsus canada[/url] rybpharm rybelsus

  64. Curtispam
    11/14/2024,

    erepharm.com [url=http://erepharm.com/#]best ed pill ere pharm[/url] cheapest ed pills ere pharm

  65. Curtispam
    11/15/2024,

    fur pharm [url=https://furpharm.com/#]furosemide fur pharm[/url] furpharm

  71. LarryMex
    11/16/2024,

    mexican pharmaceuticals online: mexican pharmacy – mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa

  72. Glennson
    11/16/2024,

    Online medicine home delivery [url=https://indianpharmacyeasy.com/#]Indian online pharmacy ship to usa[/url] top 10 online pharmacy in india

  76. Glennson
    11/16/2024,

    medicine in mexico pharmacies [url=http://mexicanpharmgate.com/#]mexican pharmacy[/url] buying from online mexican pharmacy

  79. Glennson
    11/17/2024,

    ed dysfunction treatment [url=https://canadiandrugsgate.com/#]canadian pharmacy drugs gate[/url] male erection pills

  80. JefferyBep
    11/17/2024,

    medicine in mexico pharmacies: mexico pharmacy – buying prescription drugs in mexico online

  84. DerekAquag
    11/18/2024,

    amoxicillin buy online canada: com pharm – order amoxicillin no prescription

  85. Brandenbor
    11/18/2024,

    cost clomid without a prescription: rex pharm – can i purchase clomid without insurance

  88. Brandenbor
    11/19/2024,

    how to get clomid without prescription: buy clomid – can you get clomid

  93. Bernardbex
    11/22/2024,

    п»їwhere to buy stromectol online [url=https://iverfast.com/#]IverFast[/url] buy stromectol online uk

  95. Brandenbor
    11/22/2024,

    how can i get generic clomid: rex pharm – get cheap clomid for sale

  97. Brandenbor
    11/23/2024,

    price of amoxicillin without insurance: amoxil com pharm – where can i buy amoxicillin over the counter

  98. Bernardbex
    11/23/2024,

    stromectol tablets for humans for sale [url=http://iverfast.com/#]Ivermectin iver fast[/url] minocycline

  99. Albertjoibe
    11/24/2024,

    minocycline 50 mg without doctor: buy Stromectol – does minocycline work for acne

  100. Henrynaw
    11/25/2024,

    вавада онлайн казино [url=https://vavada-kazi.ru/#]vavada-kazi.ru[/url] вавада казино зеркало

  101. Henrynaw
    11/26/2024,

    pinup-kazi.ru [url=https://pinup-kazi.ru/#]pinup-kazi.ru[/url] pinup kazi

  102. Jamesshush
    11/26/2024,

    pinup kazi: pinup – пин ап казино официальный сайт

  107. Scottrep
    11/30/2024,

    п»їbest mexican online pharmacies: Pharm Easy – medication from mexico pharmacy

  109. Adolfosaulk
    11/30/2024,

    reputable mexican pharmacies online: Mexican Pharm – best online pharmacies in mexico

  110. Clintondox
    12/01/2024,

    http://ivermectinpharm.store/# price of stromectol
    neurontin coupon [url=https://gabapentinpharm.com/#]can i buy neurontin over the counter[/url] buy neurontin canadian pharmacy

  116. Matthewicody
    12/04/2024,

    http://azithromycinus.com/# zithromax price south africa
    buy generic zithromax no prescription [url=http://azithromycinus.com/#]buy zithromax 1000 mg online[/url] zithromax 1000 mg pills

  118. Matthewicody
    12/05/2024,

    http://ciprofloxacin.cheap/# cipro ciprofloxacin
    buy cipro online canada [url=https://ciprofloxacin.cheap/#]buy cipro online[/url] buy ciprofloxacin over the counter

  119. Matthewicody
    12/06/2024,

    http://azithromycinus.com/# zithromax online australia
    п»їcytotec pills online [url=https://cytotec.top/#]buy cytotec[/url] buy cytotec over the counter

  120. Matthewicody
    12/06/2024,

    https://lisinoprilus.com/# where to buy lisinopril
    lisinopril 20 mg online [url=https://lisinoprilus.com/#]generic lisinopril 3973[/url] buy generic lisinopril

  121. Matthewicody
    12/08/2024,

    https://cytotec.top/# buy cytotec over the counter
    how to get clomid without insurance [url=http://clomid.store/#]how can i get cheap clomid without dr prescription[/url] where can i buy generic clomid pill

  123. CharlesPrura
    12/09/2024,

    pet meds without vet prescription canada: drugs1st – drugs1st

  125. TravisSox
    12/11/2024,

    slot oyunlar? puf noktalar?: slot siteleri – az parayla cok kazandiran slot oyunlar?

  127. RobertErymn
    12/12/2024,

    пин ап зеркало [url=http://pinup2025.com/#]пин ап[/url] пин ап казино официальный сайт

  130. sexy-gold
    12/15/2024,

    … [Trackback]

    […] Info to that Topic: boxinginsider.com/mma/ufc-143-preview-nick-diaz-vs-carlos-condit/ […]

  131. ErnestUnugh
    12/15/2024,

    medicine in mexico pharmacies: mexican pharmi – buying prescription drugs in mexico online

  137. Robertsoype
    12/18/2024,

    how can i get cheap clomid without a prescription: clomidonpharm – can i get generic clomid without prescription

  143. SamuelSoT
    12/21/2024,

    how to get cheap clomid pills: clomidonpharm – can i get cheap clomid without insurance

  145. Robertsoype
    12/22/2024,

    amoxicillin online pharmacy: Amox Star – amoxicillin over the counter in canada

  147. Kennethbut
    12/23/2024,

    where to buy cipro online [url=http://cipharmdelivery.com/#]buy cipro online without prescription[/url] buy cipro cheap

  149. DarrenBix
    12/28/2024,

    пин ап вход [url=https://gramster.ru/#]gramster[/url] пин ап казино

  150. DarrenBix
    12/29/2024,

    пинап казино [url=http://gramster.ru/#]gramster[/url] пин ап

  152. DarrenBix
    12/30/2024,

    пин ап [url=http://gramster.ru/#]gramster[/url] пин ап вход

  156. DarrenBix
    12/31/2024,

    пин ап казино зеркало [url=http://gramster.ru/#]gramster[/url] gramster.ru

  158. DarrenBix
    01/01/2025,

    пин ап казино зеркало [url=https://gramster.ru/#]gramster[/url] пинап казино

  159. JamesRothe
    01/02/2025,

    Online medicine order [url=http://indianpharmacy.win/#]india online pharmacy[/url] cheapest online pharmacy india

  160. JamesRothe
    01/02/2025,

    world pharmacy india [url=https://indianpharmacy.win/#]cheapest online pharmacy india[/url] pharmacy website india

  161. JamesRothe
    01/04/2025,

    medicine in mexico pharmacies [url=https://mexicanpharmacy.store/#]mexico pharmacies prescription drugs[/url] mexican rx online

  162. JamesRothe
    01/04/2025,

    best online pharmacies in mexico [url=https://mexicanpharmacy.store/#]medication from mexico pharmacy[/url] mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  165. JamesRothe
    01/05/2025,

    mail order pharmacy india [url=http://indianpharmacy.win/#]best india pharmacy[/url] best online pharmacy india

  168. JamesRothe
    01/06/2025,

    mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa [url=https://mexicanpharmacy.store/#]medication from mexico pharmacy[/url] mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa

  169. JamesRothe
    01/06/2025,

    safe canadian pharmacies [url=https://canadianpharmacy.win/#]canadian pharmacy win[/url] northern pharmacy canada

  177. Barrypewly
    01/11/2025,

    where can i buy erectile dysfunction pills: FastPillsEasy – where to get ed pills

  186. Bradleydiela
    01/15/2025,

    denemebonusuverensiteler25 [url=https://denemebonusuverensiteler25.com/#]deneme bonusu veren siteler yeni[/url] deneme bonusu veren siteler

  188. Bradleydiela
    01/16/2025,

    sweet bonanza [url=https://sweetbonanza25.com/#]sweet bonanza demo oyna[/url] sweet bonanza oyna

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *