With an immediate rematch between newly-crowned interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit and Nick Diaz reportedly in the works, Dana White and company should take a step back and think about the precedent being set.
Traditionally, immediate rematches have been rare in the UFC, especially for a title.
Why is Condit-Diaz any different?
The threat of Diaz’s retirement surely seems to set this instance apart. The polarizing fighter is certainly great for ratings. Whether you love Nick Diaz for his brash attitude and aggressive exciting style or you hate Diaz for his perceived thug image and potentially inflated record, you will tune in to watch him fight.
The UFC knows that they would lose a huge draw if Diaz is actually serious about his retirement.
However, while losing Diaz would be bad from a financial perspective, what message would an immediate rematch send?
There is no denying that Condit’s win over Diaz was considered controversial, but with Diaz’s inability to adjust within the fight, what did he do to deserve an immediate rematch?
A rematch down the road is an easy sell and definitely warranted, but giving Diaz a rematch just for the sake of keeping him in the UFC is akin to giving a spoiled child a lollipop just so he will stop crying.
One of the great things about the UFC has been their insistence on utilizing Joe Silva and company to create the matchups. By basically allowing Diaz to whine his way to a second title shot, the UFC is opening a door that could lead to more fighters threatening to retire to get their way.
Should the UFC make Diaz-Condit II happen right away, let’s hope that this does not become a trend.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com