UFC 143: The Natural Born Killer is Champion

Carlos Condit defeats Nick Diaz via Unanimous Decision for the UFC Interim Welterweight Championship (48-47, 49-49, 49-46) 

The main event of the night was a fight between two killers, two complete mixed martial artists, and two skilled champions in the primes of their careers. It was also a fight featuring the best Welterweight in WEC history, Carlos Condit (28-5), fighting the best Welterweight in Strikeforce history, Nick Diaz (26-8-1NC), for a chance to fight the best Welterweight in UFC history, Georges St. Pierre (22-2). 

In a very close/ controversial fight, it was Carlos Condit who emerged victorious with a Unanimous Decision victory over Nick Diaz. Condit fought a brilliant fight, utilizing a smart game plan and sticking to it throughout the duration of the contest. Condit was constantly moving and most importantly stayed away from the cage, which did not allow Diaz to unload those vicious body assaults, which he has become known for. Condit's elusiveness was also effective, because he beat Diaz to the punch, and did not fall into any of Nick Diaz's traps.

Personally, I had the fight even going into the 5th round, and while Condit was busier on the feet, Diaz scored a late takedown and managed to take the back of Condit until the final bell. To me, this allowed Diaz to take the fight 3 rounds to 2, but the judges disagreed and thus Carlos Condit is now the UFC interim Welterweight Champion and has a date set with UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre later this year. 

Fabricio Werdum defeats Roy Nelson via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

The co-main event of the evening, featured an exciting Heavyweight contest as Fabricio Werdum (15-5-1) successfully returned to the UFC with a unanimous decision victory over Roy “Big Country” Nelson (16-7). Werdum who is best known for ending the myth of Fedor Emelianenko in Strikeforce, showcased much improved striking and excellent Maui Thai, landing vicious knees to the chin of Roy Nelson, which would have put any other man unconscious. However, Nelson kept coming forward and never gave up, but it was not enough to beat Werdum on this night. If Werdum's striking continues to improve, he could very well get his desired rematch with Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos, sooner rather than later. An excellent return to the UFC for Fabricio Werdum. 

Josh Kosheck defeated Mike Pierce via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

In the 20th fight of his UFC career, Josh Koscheck (17-5) defeated Mike Pierce (13-5) via split decision in a much closer fight than most people, including Kosheck expected. Koscheck never seemed to find his rhythm in the contest, as he was constantly looking to land his big right hand, but could never find the target. On the feet, Pierce was the much busier fighter for the duration of the bout, but it was Koscheck's two late takedown's which more than likely gave him the nod in the eyes of the judges. It seemed as if Koscheck underestimated Pierce, however Pierce proved he belongs in the upper echelon of the Welterweight devision. 

Renan Barao defeats Scott Jorgenson via Unanimous Decision (30 -27, 30-27, 30-27) 

In the second fight of the PPV, dangerous Bantamweight Renan Barao (28-1-1NC), extended his win streak to 28 with a unanimous decision victory over the ultra tough Scott Jorgenson (13-5). A training partner of Jose Aldo at Nova Uniao in Brazil, many people in the MMA community consider Barao to be the best fighter in the world without a world title. Having not lost a fight since April of 2005, Barao may very well be the 135 lbs. Jose Aldo and should be next in line to fight for the Bantamweight Championship after Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber fight later this year. 

Bonuses:
Fight of the Night: Fabricio Werdum vs. Roy Nelson
Submission of the Night - Dustin Poirier
Knockout of the Night - Steven Thompson

Results: 

Carlos Condit defeats Nick Diaz via Unanimous Decision for the UFC Interim Welterweight Championship (48-47, 49-49, 49-46)

Fabricio Werdum def. Roy Nelson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Josh Koscheck def. Mike Pierce via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Renan Barao def. Scott Jorgensen via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ed Herman def. Clifford Starks via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 2, 1:43

Dustin Poirier def. Max Holloway via submission (mounted triangle-armbar) - Round 1, 3:23

Edwin Figueroa def. Alex Caceres via split decision (28-27, 27-28, 28-27)

Matt Brown def. Chris Cope via knockout (punches) - Round 2, 1:19

Matt Riddle def. via Henry Martinez via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Rafael Natal def. Michael Kuiper via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Steven Thompson def. Dan Stittgen via knockout (head kick) - Round 1, 4:13