– Anthony Fusco, staff
One could call UFC 143 a disappointment after Carlos Condit defeated Nick Diaz via unanimous decision to become the interim welterweight champion at the main event of UFC 143. Following the loss, in an odd turn of events, Diaz stated he may also retire as he voiced his displeasure saying, “I think I’m done with this MMA. I’m not going to accept the fact that this is a loss. I don’t need this. I pushed him backwards, he ran from me this whole fight. Little baby kicks. I don’t want to play this game anymore.” To make matters worse, Diaz also tested positive for marijuana in a post-fight test which disappointed UFC president, Dana White. “I am beyond disappointed that he tested positive for marijuana. It is now in the hands of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.” Diaz could be facing up to a year of suspension for the failed test.
In the co-main events, Fabricio Werdum made a triumphant return to the octagon by defeating Roy Nelson via unanimous decision and Josh Koscheck won a split decision over Mike Pierce. On the prelims, Dustin Poirier remained undefeated in the UFC as he submitted Max Holloway.
There are two big title fights coming up in the near future: at light heavyweight, Jon Jones against Rashad Evans and in a middleweight matchup, Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen. Both of these fights have the potential to be explosive.
Jones and Evans, who are former training partners, have had a long ongoing feud ever since Jones stepped in for Evan’s title shot and won the championship. Evans said, “Jon knows what happened when we trained and he knows if I’m focused and I’m strong and I’m healthy, then he knows he has a fight on his hands. Jon’s a tough guy. Jon’s the champion, but I know where Jon’s weak at and he knows where I’m weak at.” It was also asked of Jones if he missed Rashad as a friend and training partner to which he responded over twitter, “He was never my friend. He’s a jealous snake.”
Silva vs. Sonnen is by far one of the most anticipated rematches of all-time in the UFC. Despite Sonnen coming up short in his first title fight, he has launched a huge amount of trash talk at the champion. He has insulted Silva, Sliva’s family, teammates and his country. Sonnen has even said, “I can drag Anderson Silva out of a hotel and beat up him anytime I want. I’ve made a commitment to wait until August 7th and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure millions of people watch me.” Silva retorted with his own jab at Sonnen, “Chael talks too much, Chael needs to train. No more talk, train.”
Both of these title fights will be high intensity. When the cage door closes, the world will see who the true champions really are.
Anthony’s Record:
7-5
