UFC 137: 3 Reasons Carlos Condit Can Beat GSP

As anyone who even considered reading this article knows, Carlos Condit will be challenging Georges St-Pierre for the UFC welterweight title in the UFC 137 main event. 

Riding a nine-fight win streak and widely considered the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, it is no secret that the champion is heavily-favored in this one.  

While some fans are disappointed that it will no longer be Nick Diaz stepping up to the plate against GSP, others realize the Natural Born Killer poses a real threat for the French-Canadian. 

Here are three reasons why Condit is a legitimate challenge for GSP's title. 

Aggression/Finishing Ability

In 27 career victories, Condit has 26 finishes.  Really, there isn't much more to say other than that is a ridiculously high percentage with a guy that has over 15, 20 or, in this case, 25, professional wins.  

Condit's iron chin, constant aggression and quick pace allow him to stay involved in nearly every fight.

Look no further than Condit's fight with prospect Rory MacDonald at UFC 115, a fighter many have dubbed "the next Georges St-Pierre" due to his skills and Canadian descent, to see how dangerous Condit is.  

Despite MacDonald convincingly winning the first two rounds, The Natural Born Killer came out like a man possessed in the third round and stopped MacDonald with just seven seconds left in the fight.  

His dominant flying knee TKO over Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 132 wasn't exactly telegraphed either. Stun Gun had no idea what hit him as he went out up against the cage. 

Versatility/Well-Rounded Jiu-Jitsu Game

In his 26 finishes, Condit has 13 submissions and 13 knockouts.  No one can realistically ask for a more wel-rounded fighter than that. 

It is no secret that Condit has some serious striking ability, which is partially why his submission game sometimes gets overlooked.  

Condit is great off his back, finishing several fights via triangle choke, kimura and armbar from the guard throughout his career; pretty impressive considering he is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  

While GSP is a Renzo Gracie black belt, it has been an awful long time since he faced someone who has weak wrestling but can actually work off their back.  

The Natural Born Killer is not a feast-or-famine guy, either, when it comes to jiu jitsu—if he can't lock up a submission, he has shown effectiveness in sweeps off his back, including more advanced techniques from butterfly guard. 

Additionally, Condit has already beaten a big, strong wrestler in Jake Ellenberger, who is generally considered a top five welterweight as well.

Condit Has Trained with GSP

While Greg Jackson is not taking sides in this UFC title fight, it is common knowledge that both fighters are regulars at Jackson's MMA camp. 

Condit and GSP may not have been sparring or grappling partners very often, but it is inevitable that the two worked out with each other on the mat, in the ring, or in the cage at some point.  

Even in a scenario where the two never exchanged anything more than a "what's up?" at the training facility, Condit has seen how GSP trains and where the weaknesses, albeit very small ones, lie in his game.  

The Natural Born Killer Does not deserve to be favored in this one, but he certainly deserves to be given a puncher's chance at the very least.