Written by Hurtsbad Analyst Ryne Krafthefer

 

Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit

 

The main event on Saturday night features two of the most high paced, exciting fighters in the world. Former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion faces off against former WEC Welterweight Champion Carlos “The Natural Born Killer” Condit. Both men are known for bringing the fight to their opponent and always looking for a finish.

 

Nick Diaz fights out of Stockton, California and is a member of the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu camp. In his last fight he took on the always popular BJ Penn. Many thought it would be the toughest fight of Diaz’s career seeing that BJ Penn is a former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight champion.

 

Diaz proved all the critics wrong that night, battering the Hawaiian with punches to the body and face. By the end of the fight BJ Penn was barely recognizable, and Nick Diaz had raised his stock significantly.

 

During the post-fight interview the Stockton Native called out current UFC Welterweight king Georges St. Pierre. Visibly upset by what Diaz had said, GSP approached Dana White backstage and asked to face Nick Diaz next instead of Carlos Condit.

 

The next day the match was changed and Diaz had earned his shot at the title. However it would be short-lived, as GSP had to pull out due to a torn ACL. The UFC then made the decision to give Carlos Condit the fight against Nick Diaz and that the victor would be named the Interim Welterweight champion.

 

Carlos Condit fights out of Albuquerque, New Mexico and the Greg Jackson Martial Arts team. He is a former WEC champion and has won 12 of his last 13 fights. “The Natural Born Killer” is an expert at finishing fights with 26 of his 27 victories coming by knockout or submission.

 

In his last bout he fought against South Korean standout Dong Hyun Kim. Condit made short work of the Korean, knocking him out with a highlight reel flying knee. The New Mexico native never backs down from a war and expects Diaz to have the same mentality when the cage door closes.

 

Even though the winner of this fight will be the Interim Champion, they will still have to fight Georges St. Pierre when he returns from his injury. GSP recently shared some words on the matchup, “I respect Carlos Condit, but I want Diaz to win. It will be a weird feeling, sitting at the Mandalay Bay wanting Nick Diaz to win, I want this fight with Diaz so badly, as badly as I wanted the title shot (against Matt Hughes) when I got down on my knees. I have never asked Dana White for anything, but I did ask to fight Nick Diaz. I was crushed when I had to pull out of this weekend’s fight hurt, but I am determined to get back to the Octagon as soon as possible to fight this guy. He needs to hold up his part and beat Carlos Condit on Saturday to make this fight happen.”

 

Georges went on to say, “I am very nervous that Carlos Condit will win on Saturday night, and that I won’t be able to fight Nick Diaz this summer. Carlos Condit is a very good fighter, he can strike, he is aggressive, and he has submissions. He has been very impressive and is the type of fighter who gets better and better the more confident he gets. I am not personal friends with him but I know him a little and he’s a great person. I know a lot of people who know him well because we train with the same people, but I have only spoken with him a few times. He is a true mixed martial artist. I feel bad, it is weird that I want him to lose, but I have never wanted to fight anyone as much as I want to fight Diaz.”

 

The main event is going to be a jaw-dropping battle and could be a fight of the year candidate. Expect Diaz to try and push the pace early showing his fantastic cardio and relentless boxing. Condit is no slouch, and will respond with punches of his own and a variety of kicks to keep his opponent at bay.

 

It is hard to say who will have the advantage on the feet and the ground as both men possess phenomenal striking and submissions. The big difference maker will be Condit’s varied striking attacks. He can knock you out with his kicks, knees, and punches. You can’t say the same for Diaz. The fight will be back and forth with both men having their moments but expect Carlos Condit to walk away with a split decision victory.

 

Roy Nelson vs. Fabricio Werdum

 

The co-main event features Ultimate Fighter winner Roy Nelson taking on Strikeforce and UFC veteran Fabricio Werdum. The Brazilian Werdum is returning to the UFC after a stint in Strikeforce and a massive upset of former heavyweight king Fedor Emelianenko. Nelson won his last fight knocking out popular Croatian kick boxer Mirko Cro-Cop.

 

Both fighters have excellent Jiu-Jitsu and improved standup. The difference maker in this one will be Werdum’s chin and submissions. Although Nelson shows strong knockout power, Fabricio has survived against amazing strikers in the last two years such as Fedor Emelianenko and K-1 champion Alistair Overeem.

 

Nelson won’t be able to knock out the Brazilian and will look to take the fight to the ground. Once it hits the mat, Werdum will impose his world-class Jiu-Jitsu and get a submission victory by triangle choke in the second round.

 

Josh Koscheck vs. Mike Pierce

 

This one has seen plenty of trash talk from both fighters leading up to this weekend. Josh Koscheck is a former title challenger and former 4 time Division 1 All American wrestler. Koscheck trains out of the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.

 

He has arguably improved more than any other fighter in the division since joining the UFC. In his last fight he once again proved that by knocking out former longtime Welterweight champion Matt Hughes on short notice. Koscheck is a natural athlete and possesses top-notch takedowns, speed, and knockout power.

 

His opponent Mike Pierce is tough as nails though, and can hang with the best in the division. He went three rounds with Koscheck’s teammate Jon Fitch, and looked impressive in his last fight, a rematch against Paul Bradley. Pierce throws a strong right hook and shows impressive grappling ability.

 

Pierce will hang tough for the majority of the fight, but won’t be able to take the damage Koscheck will inflict late in the final round. Koscheck gets the W in this Welterweight scrap, winning by TKO in the third round.

 

Renan “Barao” Pegado vs. Scott “Young Guns” Jorgensen

 

Don’t blink during this one, as these Bantamweights always come to fight. “Barao” is a member of the impressive Nova Uniao camp in Brazil and is currently riding a 17 fight win streak. He debuted in the UFC late last year, easily defeating Brad Pickett with a rear-naked choke.

 

In the fight he showed very impressive striking and phenomenal grappling which resulted in the submission. If “Barao” can defeat Jorgensen in impressive fashion, he could make a case for a title shot against Bantamweight star Dominick Cruz.

 

Scott Jorgensen is a veteran of the WEC and is a recent title challenger. He possesses relentless striking, takedowns, and solid takedown defense. Jorgensen is extremely tough to finish and has proved that in bouts against Cruz, Brad Pickett, and his last fight against Jeff Curran. He has a tough test on Saturday against the Brazilian Pegado, but expect “Young Guns” to come out blazing and aggressive.

 

Jorgensen would love another shot at the Champ Dominick Cruz so expect him to show plenty of aggression and heart in this one. “Barao” will look for the knockout or submission throughout the fight but won’t be able to secure it against the always tough Jorgensen. However, he will do enough on the feet and ground to get the decision victory. “Barao” wins by Unanimous Decision.

 

Ed “Short Fuse” Herman vs. Clifford Starks

 

The first fight of the pay-per-view main card features UFC Middleweight veteran Ed Herman taking on Clifford Starks. A collegiate wrestler from Arizona State University, Starks possesses strong takedowns and a stalling top game.

He has one victory in the promotion, coming against Dustin Jacoby. Starks is on an 8 fight win streak and looks to build on that with this fight. He has a massive test in his way with Ed Herman.

 

“Short Fuse” looks like he has returned to top form since his reconstructive knee surgery that kept him out for over a year. Since returning from injury, he has won two straight, finishing both fights inside the first round by submission and TKO.

 

Starks will try to pressure Herman against the cage and will look for the takedown. When he secures the takedown, expect Herman to reverse positions and gain top control. From there he will unleash vicious ground strikes and the ref will have no choice but to step in. Herman takes the victory here, winning by TKO due to ground and pound.

 

This card is stacked from top to bottom with talent and it is a pay per view that almost guarantees fight fans will get their money’s worth. Don’t miss this stunning fight card which promises finishes and wars from start to finish. UFC 143 is an explosive event no fight fan wants to miss.

 

 

For More Hurtsbad Headlnes Click Here Or Below

 

 

MMA Community Disrespects Diaz & Condit                       Fans Must Be Patient With UFC on FOX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AKA's Jav Mendez On Luke Rockhold                               Rhonda Rousey Disrespects GSP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eddie Bravo: Diaz Will Go Down As One                           AZ Producing Top New MMA Talent

Of The Greatest MMA Fighters Of All Time