BY Michael Owens
UFC 171 will play a major part in shaping the future of the UFC welterweight division.
First of all, a new champion will be crowned after Johnny Hendricks faces off against Robbie Lawler. There’s also a high profile fight booked between Jake Shields and Hector Lombard. Finally, Dana White informed members of the media on Saturday that he was doing his best to get Carlos Condit a fight as well.
The tantalising prospect of a rematch with Nick Diaz was dangled in front of MMA fans, only for the UFC president to confirm that the 209’s finest was not interested in the fight and would be staying retired. At least for now.
Tyron Woodley might have been a good match too, but White was adamant that ‘The Natural Born Killer’ would be fighting a ranked opponent, despite T-Wood’s incessant texting.
That left an opportunity for one of the only other natural contenders for Condit to step up
This would be just about the only fight that makes sense for either man. With the exception of Martin Kampmann and the injured Matt Brown, the rest of the division’s top-10 fighters are already booked to fight. Ellenberger is coming off a loss, and Condit a win, but if that magical UFC 171 event is the target, this is the fight.
Not only that, the two men have a history together. Condit was Ellenberger’s first UFC opponent way back in September 2009. ‘The Juggernaut’ left The Octagon on the wrong end of a decision, but he was unlucky to do so after a dominant first frame in which he dropped Condit twice. It could have easily been judged as a 10-8 round, which would have made the fight a draw.
However, most importantly at all, ignoring all rankings, history and form, this would be a fight between two skilled, exciting and aggressive fighters, which is practically guaranteed to deliver fireworks.
Condit would be the clear favourite in this fight and it is clear that he is the man the UFC want’s to push behind Hendricks and Lawler in this new dawn for the 170 pound division, but I would eat this fight up if it were announced tomorrow.
UFC 171 is set to take place on March 15.
