UFC “Quick Break”: Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit

Whether you just have a short downtime during work, or don't want a lengthy breakdown, these “Quick Breaks” are for you. Quick Breaks are short breakdowns of upcoming fights. In a summed up focus of strengths, weaknesses and variables; this will analyze what could happen in the fight, and end with this writer’s prediction. 

This Saturday, the UFC puts on yet another great card for the Super Bowl weekend. After all the twists in plot and changes of opponents, we are left with two men facing off in the Octagon for the Interim Welterweight Championship at UFC 143. Georges St. Pierre is sidelined with an injury, but Carlos Condit and Nick Diaz will fight to determine the next challenger for the Canadian superstar once he is back on his feet. 

In the blue corner you have Carlos Condit. Condit is the former WEC Welterweight Champion and currently 27-5 in his career, riding a four-fight winning streak. It was previously decided that he get the belt. But circumstances cut him short, and now he must beat Diaz in order to get back to that position. Condit has excellent hands and an underrated ground game that he has used to finish most of his opponents. 

In the red corner you have Nick Diaz. Diaz is the former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion who stands 26-7(1) and is riding an impressive eleven-fight winning streak. Diaz is revered for his relentless striking and his excellent ground game. Where there is some debate over the technicality of his striking skills, his submissions are very dangerous. All but five of his wins are from finishes. Despite how orthodox and technical his striking may or may not be, he is a TKO master. 

Both Condit and Diaz are formidable on their feet, but Condit gets the edge in well-rounded striking. Cardio must go to Diaz, but Condit is no slouch in that regard. On the ground, Diaz reigns superior, but Condit’s ground game may be strong enough to counter-act the Gracie training behind Diaz. Diaz probably will not go for a takedown, but strike until he drops Condit. Then, he can choose to go for a submission, or try to get the referee to call a stop to it. 

Condit will want to use his heavy hands to keep Diaz at bay as much as he can and has the best chance of winning by KO. Condit and Diaz may be two very different personalities, but both are very well-rounded and have the ability to finish the fight wherever it goes. This is truly a fight that could potentially be awarded any of the “Of The Night” bonuses. This fight is not likely to go to a decision, and out of the inevitable war that will take place, a new Welterweight Champion will rise. 

Prediction: Nick Diaz wins via Submission/TKO

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