Can Carlos Condit Make Another Run At The Welterweight Title?
Former UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit returns to action this weekend (Saturday May 30th, 2015) as he takes on Brazilian banger Thiago Alves in the main event of UFC Fight Night 67. ‘The Natural Born Killer’ will be fighting on enemy territory, as ‘The Pitbull’ will enjoy the home advantage in Goiania, Brazil. The return of Condit has been a long time coming, as the Greg Jackson‘s MMA product has been sat inactive for over a year now.
”NBK’ last fought at UFC 171 against Tyron Woodley in Dallas, Texas. The very same night the welterweight title was on the line between Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler; ‘Bigg Rigg’ defeated ‘Ruthless’ by decision to win the belt vacated by Georges St-Pierre just months before. ‘The Chosen One’ also emerged victorious that night, but only by way of an injury TKO when Condit’s knee blew out during a takedown.
‘The Natural Born Killer’ still resides in the number four spot on the official rankings, and a win in Brazil against the hometown hero would surely make a statement to the rest of the division. But how much has changed since ‘CC’ last stepped in to the octagon? Truthfully, not much. Of course the belt has changed hands at the top of the division, with Robbie Lawler set to put his title on the line against Rory MacDonald at UFC 189, but the rest is nearly identical to when Condit last fought.
Matt Brown, Dong Hyun Kim and Demian Maia are still around the number five mark, and Tyron Woodley is nestled nicely in the top three of the welterweight listings. So can Condit make another run at a UFC title? At just 31 years of age, time is still in the Gaidojitsu black belt’s favor, and he’s not fallen miles behind in the rankings. The ultimate test will be to see how he performs against Alves at UFC Fight Night 67.
Condit has fought and beaten highly ranked opponents such as Nick Diaz, Rory MacDonald, Dan Hardy and also gave champ of the time Georges St-Pierre a damn good run for his money at UFC 154. Many also feel he should have been given the decision against Johny Hendricks at UFC 158. So the fact of the matter is that Condit is used to fighting a much higher claibre of fighter than Alves, and has the track record to prove it.
Records mean little on fight night though, and Condit’s performance on Saturday in Brazil could make or break his future title hopes. Do you think ‘The Natural Born Killer’ can win a UFC title again?
Check out this awesome fan made Carlos Condit highlight reel, and let us know your thoughts!
