Condit is no stepping stone for Diaz

UFC 143 is LIVE on PPV TONIGHT at 7 PM PT/10 PM ET

By Anthony Springer Jr.

If you’ve been following this week’s UFC 143 coverage, it almost seems like Carlos Condit has been relegated to the role of “the other guy.” In wrestling terms, he’s been treated like a jobber. In the boxing world, he’d be painted as the stepping stone.

You see, Nick Diaz—should he win this fight—has a blockbuster fight with current welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. Given the rivalry brewing between the two, it’d be one of the biggest fights in history. Both in dollar amounts (which will make Zuffa happy) and intrigue (which makes fans happy).

Here’s the problem Carlos Condit is not “the other guy.” He’s not a jobber. He’s not a stepping stone. The 27-year-old has as many victories as he has years on the planet. He’s as equally skilled with striking as he is with submissions. Oh yeah, he was also a former WEC welterweight champion

If you’re tempted to overlook Condit, don’t. Nick Diaz surely isn’t.

“It makes me sick,” Diaz said of the treatment Condit received by the press. “This is Carlos’ time to be here and be a part of this main event. Half of this show is built up around me fighting Georges. I’m fighting Carlos Condit. I don’t like it.”

To his credit, Condit has remained his usual diplomatic self. Clad in a three-piece suit at yesterday’s fight press conference, he appeared unmoved that the MMA gods have pegged him a loser.

“I feel like they’re planning [the St-Pierre vs. Diaz] fight before this one has even happened,” he explained.” That’s fine I have an opportunity to get in there and spoil those plans.

Stepping into the Octagon is what Condit does best and he’s completely focused on what he has to do. So much, that he’s left his youngest son back in New Mexico.

“He was out here for the last fight,” Condit said. “Having a one year old around when you’re cutting weight isn’t all that much fun.

“Training camp is over. I’m excited to step in there and do what I’ve trained to do for the last six months.”

One thing is certain. To fully enjoy this fight, keep George St-Pierre an afterthought until this was is in the books.

“Nick is the toughest guy I’ve fought,” Condit explained. “He has a pretty dynamic skillset. This is going to be a phenomenal fight.”
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For more info on the UFC or UFC 143, visit www.UFC.com

February 4th, 2012

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