Morning Report: Carlos Condit interested in Nick Diaz rematch: ‘Why not go out there and settle the score?’
Carlos Condit | Esther Lin
This weekend, former UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit returns to the octagon after a nearly two-year layoff when he takes on Court McGee at UFC on ESPN 16. And should things go well for “The Natural Born Killer,” he hopes to return again next year, with an even bigger opponent in mind: former for Nick Diaz.
Diaz is one of MMA’s most beloved figures but has not fought since 2015. However, earlier this month, Diaz announced an interest in coming back to fighting in 2021. Immediately, a number of top contenders threw their hats in the ring to be the man to welcome Diaz back to the cage, but Condit thinks that he would make sense for Diaz as they two still have some unfinished business.
“Yeah, obviously that’s been a thing and that’s a point of interest,” Condit told MMAJunkie. “I know people want to see that fight. I know a lot of people want to see that fight. I want to see that fight. I think Nick wants that fight. I don’t know if it’s the next one or what he’s trying to do. But if the stars align, that fight should happen.
“That fight is intriguing to me, intriguing to a lot of fans. If I go out there and handle business like I think will on Saturday, that one is definitely in my sight. It’s an interesting matchup, there was controversy, and why not? Why not go out there and settle the score?”
Condit and Diaz fought all the way back in 2012 at UFC 143 for an interim welterweight title. It was a close bout that with the judges ultimately scored in favor of Condit, though many fans, and Diaz himself, believe Diaz should have won. The two never ran it back though, in part because they didn’t need to. Both Condit and Diaz went on to face and be defeated by Georges St-Pierre, and then, just a few years later, Diaz was gone from the sport. Now, with Diaz potentially returning, a rematch could make sense. But first thing’s first, Condit has to handle business against Court McGee this weekend.
“I’m enjoying being out here on fight week again,” Condit said. “The familiarity of the ritual of preparation, the weight cut, and all that. I’m just excited. I have a good opponent. This dude is game, he’s a hard-nose, salty veteran who comes to fight. I think we’re going to put on a hell of a show. I know he doesn’t take a step back and he comes to throw down. I’m super excited about that.”
Condit would be well-served to stay focused on the task at hand. The former interim champion has lost five fights in a row and eight of his last 10 dating back to his failed title shot against GSP. Meanwhile, McGee is also on a bit of a skid, having lost two in a row and four of five over the last three years.
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VIDEO STEW
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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Friends forever.
spoken like a true champion @felderpaul . Respect! RT @MMAFighting: .@FelderPaul would absolutely be interested in welcoming @MikeChandlerMMA
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) September 29, 2020
"Who cares where they're from? If they're good, they're good."
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Good luck on fight island my man. If that fight doesn’t pan out I think we could have one hell of a scrap! #thankschamp
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) September 29, 2020
Izzy.
In fighting at a high level, it’s the pretty ones you gotta watch out for.#johnnybravo https://t.co/AL08UzXxzz
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) September 29, 2020
Chael coming in hot.
Izzy woujd whip JJ. If there were 5 rds, IZZY wins all 5.
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Askren.
I feel like @TheNotoriousMMA is getting desperate with all the shit he has been putting out in the last 7 days
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Picking a fight.
Been trying to get matched up again and I heard Strickland needs an opponent for Oct.31st. Let me get that! I’ll fight him. 185 is nothing new to me. Let’s Go @ufc @seanshelby @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite
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Henry Cejudo Apology....
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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Patricky Freire (23-9) vs. Jaleel Willis (13-2);Bellator 249, Oct. 15.
Ciryl Gane (6-0) vs. Ante Delija (17-3); UFC Fight Night, Oct. 17.
Darren Elkins (24-9) vs. Eduardo Garagorri (13-1); UFC Fight Night, Nov. 7.
FINAL THOUGHTS
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