Nick Diaz finally got his rematch with Carlos Condit.
The outspoken Diaz was unhappy about his loss to Condit at UFC 143, publicly criticizing the judges’ decision, and threatened to retire from the sport altogether. The loss also prevented him from being awarded the UFC interim welterweight title, but more importantly, an anticipated title bout with Georges St-Pierre.
Fans also seemed to side with Diaz on the controversial outcome, labeling Condit’s performance as “boring.”
Now, after Diaz’s camp immediately requested a rematch, it looks as if a second bout will commence, as UFC President Dana White confirmed on Twitter that Diaz has agreed, and that Condit is expected to sign later this week.
Diaz will now get another opportunity to avenge his loss to Condit, and challenge St-Pierre later this year.
The UFC is taking a risk at rescheduling a rematch between the two welterweights, but the company also sees a more lucrative opportunity in the bout, especially if Diaz emerges as the winner.
The former Strikeforce welterweight champion’s stock couldn’t be any higher at this point, and the UFC will have an easier time selling Diaz and St-Pierre than before.
The UFC made the right decision to setup a rematch between Diaz and Condit, but they also made a smart decision at keeping Diaz in the title picture.
Realistically, Condit does not have the image nor the personality to appeal to fans as a recognizable fighter, but Diaz does.
And as a result, Diaz has found himself back in the Octagon against Condit one more time, in hopes of earning his long awaited title shot, in a matchup that he, St-Pierre, and the fans have been desperately seeking.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com