Nick Diaz (left) stares Carlos Condit (right) for the interim UFC belt. Photo: Josh Hedges
In the most anticipated sporting weekend of the year for North Americans, UFC 143 arrives in Las Vegas, this Saturday (4) with a title fight. And in the atmosphere of the Super Bowl – the grand final of American football – the welterweights Nick Diaz e Carlos Condit compete for the interim belt of the category, as Georges St Pierre, current champion, is out of competition due to a serious knee injury. The UFC 143 fight program also features three Brazilians in action: Rafael Sapo, Renan Barao e Fabricio Werdum.
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The welterweight category has seen an absolute reign of Georges St Pierre. But after a serious knee injury, the Canadian is out of competition and the UFC elected Nick Diaz, former Strikeforce champion, and Carlos Condit, former WEC champion, to compete for the interim UFC title. A warrior inside the octagon and controversial outside of it, Diaz was more committed in his statements prior to the duel against Condit. The American, who left the Strkeforce belt to return to the UFC, praised his opponent, but promised a weak fight from start to finish
“Condit is the next one I need to pass. He has a very real fighting style, just like mine. Real fight, mixed martial arts in the best style. With me fighting, people can see a true fighter, with the mentality and actions of a warrior,” said Diaz. In turn, Condit exuded confidence in promoting the fight and promises to be the owner of the interim belt.
“I just know I’m ready. And I'm ready to ruin the plans for a possible fight between GSP vs Diaz. When GSP returns, I will be the guy to face him”, said Carlos.
Brazilians in action at UFC 143
First Brazilian to enter the Octagon, still on the preliminary card, the Minas Gerais native Rafael Sapo will face Dutchman Michael Kuiper, who will make his UFC debut. The Tupiniquim black belt has a look back on organizing a victory and a defeat and needs the victory to establish himself in the middleweight category.
On the main card, the potiguar Renan Barao, who faces American Scott Jorgensen, is looking for the victory that could guarantee the opportunity to fight for the bantamweight title against the winner of Dominick Cruz, current champion, and Urijah faber.
This is another very important fight that will help me reach my big dream, which is to fight for the belt. I dream a lot about this, I have faith in God and I will pursue my goals”, says Barão.
Closing Tupiniquim participation in the event, Fabricio Werdum returns to Ultimate, after a quick stint in Strikerforce, against Roy Nelson, winner of the tenth edition of The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC reality show. For the fighter from Rio Grande do Sul, who specializes in jiu-jitsu, he can surprise people in a stand-up fight.
"The Roy Nelson He's a great fighter, he has heavy hands, but I have heavy hands too. He is coming off an important victory against Cro Cop. I'm sure it will be a good fight for UFC fans and I'm ready to fight,” said Werdum
Check out the complete UFC 143 card below, which will be broadcast live on the Combate channel from 22pm:
Josh koscheck vs Mike Pierce
Renan Barao vs Scott Jorgense
Ed Herman vs Clifford Starks
Preliminary Card
Max Holloway vs Dustin poirier
Jorge Lopez vs Matt Riddle
Alex Caceres vs Edwin Figueroa
Matt Brown vs Chris Cope
Dan Stittgen vs. Stephen Thompson
Rafael “Sapo” Natal vs Michael Kuiper
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