Never shy about giving his opinion, UFC president Dana White has made it known that he believes the right decision was made on Saturday night when the judges scored the fight for Carlos Condit over Nick Diaz in the main event at UFC 143.
“I had it scored for Condit,” White told MMAFighting’s Ariel Helwani. “I gave the first two rounds to Diaz and I gave the last three rounds to Condit.”
The controversial decision in the bout has the internet buzzing as many believe that Diaz was robbed of the decision, but the UFC president believes that Condit’s game plan was just good enough to be the difference in the bout. It didn’t surprise White that Condit won, but what did surprise him was how the fight was won.
“I didn’t think the fight was going to be as technical as it was. I thought those two were going to go in there and go toe-to-toe,” he said. “I think that’s what Diaz expected, too.”
But while the fight’s pace and style was a bit surprising, the biggest shocker of the night might have been the post-fight announcement that Diaz made about him possibly walking away from the sport.
“I think he’s very emotional right now. I think he and his team think they won the fight,” White said. “But this is one of those sports where you’re not half-in, half-out. You’re 100 percent or you don’t do this.”
While his reaction to losing the decision wasn’t expected, it’s also important to note that this wasn’t the first time Diaz has threatened to quit MMA. In fact, prior to his signing with the UFC, Diaz had spoken candidly about possibly walking away from the sport and pursuing boxing.
Still, the UFC president believes that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of the former Strikeforce welterweight champion.
“No, I think Nick Diaz’s heart is in it. He’s a fighter. This is who he is, this is what he does,” White explained. “I would bet that he will [be back].”
For the sake of MMA fans everywhere, let’s hope Dana is right. It’d be a shame to see Nick Diaz walk away like this.
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