Carlos Condit will return to the cage after all.
After losing a thin decision to champion Robbie Lawler in January, the popular welterweight wondered aloud about his future in fighting.
“I’ve been at this for a long time; over 40 professional MMA fights,” Condit said after the fight, per Tristen Critchfield of Sherdog. “I came up short tonight. I don’t know. Tonight was kind of a do-or-die moment for my career. I was all in. If I got that strap I was gonna keep fighting. If I didn’t, like I didn’t, I have to see if I can continue to do this. … I have to evaluate, but there’s a possibility that might be my last one. We’ll see.”
He never actually retired, but speculation arose over what, exactly, it might take to lure Condit (30-9) back to action. On Tuesday afternoon, per a report from MMA Junkie, fans got their answer when UFC officials announced Condit would face streaking jiu-jitsu hero Demian Maia (23-6). The two contenders will fight August 20 at UFC 202 in Las Vegas.
Condit hinted on his social media accounts Monday that an announcement might be coming.
Might have some news regarding my next fight soon… Stay tuned 👊 https://t.co/ni7L12cZhz
— Carlos Condit (@CarlosCondit) June 28, 2016
Per usual, financial terms were not disclosed, but it’s a smart guess that the UFC showed Condit the proverbial money. The 32-year-old former interim welterweight champ is one of the most liked and respected MMA fighters in any weight class, thanks to a high-octane striking style, a proven track record of success and his relative ease in front of the lens or microphone.
More than that, though, you have to think they backed up the Brink’s truck to the Condit house because Maia is one heck of a risky matchup.
The 38-year-old Brazilian has won five consecutive matches over standouts like Matt Brown and Gunnar Nelson. While The Natural Born Killer appears to be on the outside looking into the current welterweight title picture—January’s fight, while epic, was his second loss to Lawler—Maia would almost certainly receive a title shot if he can get past Condit.
What’s more, Maia’s world-class jiu-jitsu—he is a fourth-degree black belt and boasts several international accolades—presents Condit with a stiff stylistic challenge. Although Condit is a strong and polished grappler, very few people in the world are on Maia’s level. Over the bout’s three scheduled rounds, it’s possible Maia could smother Condit for a decision.
This is not to say Condit has no shot; far from it. He will have a clear striking edge and is dangerous in all phases. And Condit certainly doesn’t appear to be the type to shy away from a challenge; quite the opposite.
But given his desire for big-time bouts, coupled with the implication that he can see the end of the line somewhere on the horizon, this date with Maia—occurring on a big pay-per-view but not in the main event—may pose more risk than reward.
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