Robbery? UFC Legend Carlos Condit Loses Return Match Against MVP

Carlos Condit looked good in his return, but lost a decision to “MVP” at Polaris 30.

Longtime UFC star Carlos Condit returned to competition at 40 years old, over three years after retiring from mixed martial arts competition. At the Polaris 30 main event, “The Natural Born Killer” took on current UFC welterweight Michael Page in a grappling match between two talented strikers.

The former interim UFC champion looked really good for his age, showcasing various k-guard and leg entries that led to some nice toehold and knee bar attempts. The younger, active fighter in Page looked to be more explosive, with nice duck-unders and a clean takedown, but “MVP” didn’t really muster much offense during the 10-minute match.

While it was Condit that was repeatedly attacking with submissions throughout the contest, the judges decided to award the decision to Page. The hometown star did get a takedown and top control when Condit conceded position, which seems to be what judges favored more.

Page officially won his professional grappling debut, and although stunned with the outcome, Condit was gracious in defeat.

“I’m a big fan of Michael. I’m disappointed it didn’t go my way tonight. I thought I had some great moments throughout the match,” Condit said. “I’ve got to get back and work on some stuff, obviously.”

Too many retired fighters return long past their primes, only to take serious health risks and brain damage, so it’s refreshing to see a longtime UFC fan favorite get his competition fix in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) match instead. As the professional grappling scene continues to grow, hopefully it can also keep providing MMA stars a safer avenue for competition and extra income post-retirement.

In the Polaris co-main event, 17-year-old BJJ prodigy Helena Crevar successfully defended her Polaris lightweight title by winning a decision against Nia Blackman. Fresh off her ADCC silver medal finish, the John Danaher product followed through with a solid showing at Polaris 30, repeatedly threatening with submissions and keeping Blackman on the defense for majority of the contest.

Earlier on the card, Polaris champion Keith Krikorian moved up a division and still looked smooth in his decision win over Jed Hue. He didn’t get a finish, but had a pretty slick sequence where he went from locking on a kimura and reverse triangle to a pretty slick back take.

The entire Polaris 30 main card did not have a single submission. Results and match highlights are below.

Polaris 30: Carlos Condit vs. Michael Page video highlights

Polaris 30 results

Michael Page def. Carlos Condit by decision

Helena Crevar def. Nia Blackman by decision [Women’s lightweight title]

Keith Krikorian def. Jed Hue by decision

Nathaniel Wood def. Cameron Else by decision

Dante Leon def. Ellis Younger by decision

Eoghan O’Flanagan def. Philippe Geyer by decision

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