By Greg Riot
In this episode fight analysis and predictions are given for UFC 143: Nick Diaz vs Carlos Condit by Jeremy Botter, associate editor of Heavy MMA and Jason Nawara, Writer/Video Editor for Middle Easy. Jeremy is going with Condit to win while Jason is taking Diaz all the way, check out their analysis below:
As of the posting of this article, the BetDSI Sportsbook MMA odds for the UFC 143 main event are:
CARLOS CONDIT +160
NICK DIAZ -200
I have to agree with Jason Nawara on picking Nick Diaz to win. He brought out a good point that Diaz has the advantage if the fight goes the distance or goes to decision. Of Condit’s 5 losses, 3 of them occurred via decision or in the last round. 5/7 of Nick’s losses have come via decision, but he has never been finished after the 1st round. As time progresses Nick becomes more dangerous. He loosens up, gains more confidence and breaks his opponent down.
I also give Diaz the ground advantage although this fight will probably remain standing the majority of the time. Although Carlos has more submission wins, he has been submitted 3 times while Diaz has never been submitted. Thanks in part due to his Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Nick is very comfortable and dangerous on the floor.
Who do I give the stand up advantage to? I’d say Carlos would have the stand up advantage for the first round as Nick sometimes takes a little bit of time to warm up, but I give the later rounds to Nick. I don’t see either of these fighters giving up too much ground so this fight will probably go to decision. I see Nick Diaz’s hand being raised as the interim UFC Welterweight Championship.
Follow me at @GregRiotMMA
