UFC 120: Carlos Condit and the Welterweight Division

Posted by Kevin Leach (Contributor)

Oct 17

Carlos came into UFC 120 as a big underdog; he was set to face the United Kingdom’s own Dan Hardy. Leading up to this match a lot of fans and reporters were giving Condit a hard time, saying he hasn’t performed like he did in his UFC fights as he did in the WEC.

Carlos came into the UFC after the WEC decided to get rid of their welterweight division and focus on the smaller weight classes. Condit was the last WEC welterweight champion and was 5-0 with no fights going to the judges. Carlos was welcomed to the UFC by Martin Kampmann, who handed him his first loss in nine fights.

Carlos would go onto win his next two UFC fights, but his performance was not as dominate as his WEC days, and he was hearing it from everyone.

At UFC 120, Carlos entered the 02 Arena to the USA National Anthem but with a little Jimmy Hendrix twist. Carlos ended his fight with Dan hardy with a brutal Knockout in the 1st round, earning himself the knockout of the night bonus. The fight was what fans had been expecting to see when Condit first came over to the UFC; the knockout sends a reminder to everyone.

After the fight, Carlos was asked who he’d like to fight next and his response was he’d like the winner of Martin Kampmann and Jake Shields. Condit has decision losses to both fighters so he’d like to avenge those defeats, while getting himself a title shot.

Ironically enough Jon Fitch earlier in the week also called out the winner of Kampmann vs. Shields as who he would like next on his way to a title shot.

Condit’s loss to shields happened back in 2006 when they were both still learning the ropes, and that would be a great match to see how both fighters have developed since then. Condit also said he would love to avenge that loss to Kampmann, the man who welcomed him to the UFC. Either way, it would be a great match for the UFC to put together, then the winning of that match fighting for the championship.

Condit also made it clear, if he was offered a title shot against his training partner George St. Pierre, he would take that fight. Something that is music t0 the ears of Dana White, who has been very vocal about teammates fighting each other, especially when referring to welterweights Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch.

If you go by what the rankings say and the fighters UFC resume, Jon Fitch will get the winner of Kampmann vs. Shields and Condit would then fight the loser of Kampmann vs. Shields. There has also been talk that should Shields defeat Kampmann he’d be next in line at the title. If that were to happen the UFC could face Condit against Fitch in a number one contender match or Kampmann in a rematch.

Only time will tell what direction the division will go, but the welterweight division is set to be very exciting for some time.