Condit defends McGregor's strategy against 'zombie' Diaz

Condit defeated Nick Diaz in 2012. Photo: Nick Laham/Zuffa LLC

Carlos Condit, former interim UFC welterweight champion, considers that Conor McGregor adopted the correct strategy to beat Nate diaz last Saturday (20), in the main fight of UFC 202.

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Winner of the rematch by the judges' decision, McGregor was criticized by the public for having, at certain moments during the fight, avoided a frank confrontation with Diaz. When he felt tired, the Irishman walked around the octagon, which led many to consider that the athlete was “running away” from the fight.

In 2012, Condit was criticized for doing something similar in a fight against Nate's older brother, Nick Diaz. The North American explained why the strategy was correct. “Nate and Nick are like zombies. They just walk forward, and sometimes you need to create spaces. They do very well with boxing at close range. It was a little disheartening to see Conor tire quickly, but on the other hand, you have to do whatever it takes to win. And I think he clearly won”, he analyzed, in a press conference reproduced by the North American website “MMA Fighting”.

“There are other guys who faced Nate and did the same thing. Maybe not with the same intensity, but look Josh thomson: he did something very similar. He didn't do it because he was tired, but it was something conscious, part of his strategy. He created space, created angles and returned to the center of the octagon, because you don't want to be cornered against these guys. Many people may criticize, but you need to do what is necessary to win”, insisted the North American. Thomson, mentioned by Condit, is the only fighter to have knocked out Nate diaz, which happened in 2013.

Condit returns to the Octagon this Saturday (27), in the main fight of UFC on FOX 21, in Vancouver, Canada. His opponent will be the Brazilian Demian Maia.

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