After a split decision loss to UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler in January, Carlos Condit was actively considering retirement. The longtime veteran has been thinking ahead on his future health, and didn’t want to keep on fighting unless it was interesting or beneficial to him.
To that end, it seemed the only fight he might consider would be a rematch with Lawler, but it appears he’s decided to fight on without that bout anyway.
The UFC announced on Tuesday, via the ABQ Journal, that Condit will return at UFC 202 on August 20 to face fellow welterweight contender Demian Maia.
For Condit, this bout marks the 40th in his lengthy and mostly successful career, and after the war he had with Lawler a win may very well give him further consideration for a rematch. For Maia, a one-time challenger for the UFC Middleweight Title, this is another huge opportunity to stake his claim as the rightful No. 1 contender (though he may yet fall behind Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson). The 38-year-old Brazilian has been mostly brilliant at 170 lbs., falling only twice by decision against tough competitors in Jake Shields and Rory MacDonald, and his current five-fight winning streak has seen him dominate some very good opponents.
UFC 202 airs live on pay-per-view from the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by the welterweight rematch between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.
Penick’s Analysis: I absolutely love this fight. It’s a big test for Condit that could get him back to a rightful rematch with Lawler, but it’s also an opponent unlikely to cause him further brain damage, which has been a concern of his. Maia on the other hand can score his most meaningful win in the division yet, and would be right behind “Wonderboy” in the pecking order from there. It’s a perfect fight, and continues to build up what is already an extremely intriguing UFC 202 event in August.
[Photo (c) Joshua Dahl via USA Today Sports]
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