Rashad Evans knows a thing or two about missed opportunities.
Evans, who was originally expected to face UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, has given some advice to former teammate Carlos Condit after it was learned he would be sidelined in favour of Nick Diaz to challenge Georges St-Pierre.
Diaz’s victory over B.J. Penn at UFC 137 was enough to earn him a shot at St-Pierre’s welterweight title, even though Condit was scheduled to face the French-Canadian after Diaz failed to make a couple media appearances to promote the event.
“Suga” told ESPN.com that Condit shouldn’t take his situation personally and he should focus on his next bout, which could potentially lead him to a title shot in the future.
“He was the first to be called [to replace Diaz] so he should know exactly where he is,” Evans said. “So he should be thinking, ‘OK, they thought enough of me to call me in that situation. If I win my next fight then I’ll definitely be in that situation.'”
While many fans believed that Condit provided a better matchup towards the champion, stylistically, the more entertaining opponent was Diaz. And his post-fight comments directed at the champion certainly improved his chances to be rewarded with a title bout, similar to Chael Sonnen’s remarks towards Anderson Silva at UFC 136.
Evans said that the UFC is a business and the company’s job is about putting on the best fights possible, and at this time, the fight that fans are eager to see is Diaz vs. St-Pierre.
“At the time, it made sense for Carlos Condit to step up for the fight, but the reality of the situation was the real fight was Nick Diaz vs. Georges St-Pierre. So he can’t be too upset about that,” Evans said.
Although he won’t receive his title shot as promised, Condit is expected to be featured on the same card as Diaz and St-Pierre, which will likely be scheduled for Super Bowl weekend in February 2012.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com