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UFC 143 "DIAZ VS. CONDIT" LIVE RESULTS: Penick's round by round report of Super Bowl weekend event
Feb 4, 2012 - 11:59:31 PM UFC 143 "DIAZ VS. CONDIT" LIVE RESULTS: Penick's round by round report of Super Bowl weekend event

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

UFC 143: DIAZ VS. CONDIT
FEBRUARY 4, 2012
LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

=====Facebook Prelims Quick Results=====

* Stephen Thompson def. Dan Stittgen via KO at 4:13 of the first round

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

=====FX Preliminary Card=====

-Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg open up the FX broadcast discussing the night's main event before running down what is still to come on the night's card. First fight up on the televised broadcast is the Matt Riddle-Henry Martinez bout.

FIGHT ONE: MATT RIDDLE VS. HENRY MARTINEZ (WELTERWEIGHT)

ROUND ONE: Martinez took the center and ate a jab early. Martinez landed a short combo as Riddle landed a kick. He landed two solid punches on Riddle and backed off. Riddle landed a good body kick. Riddle clinched but missed the knee as Martinez broke free. Riddle landed a body kick. Riddle landed a left to the body but ate a few counter punches. Riddle landed a couple of punches, but Martinez again countered well. Martinez landed another solid combination. He tagged him again with a right. Riddle was taking a lot of damage as he engaged. Riddle landed a body kick. Riddle engaged again, landing a right, but he ate a flurry again. They each threw strikes again, and both landed. Martinez again landed a good counter punch as Riddle walked in. Riddle threw a couple of straight kicks but the didn't land. Martinez landed a hard leg kick. Riddle barely missed a knee and Martinez got in another punch as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Martinez. Despite a significant height and reach disadvantage, Martinez is controlling the striking game to this point, counter-punching very well.

ROUND TWO: Neither landed much of any significance early in the round. Martinez popped in with a right. He landed a hard leg kick. Riddle walked in and Martinez cracked him with a few punches. Riddle walked in and Martinez connected again. Martinez landed another combination in close. He landed a hard left on Riddle and followed with a couple more. Martinez came in and landed a left. He cracked Riddle with another big punch. Martinez connected again, and Riddle was simply taking punches. Martinez again landed the left. Riddle landed a body punch. He got in a good kick to the body. He then landed a jab. Martinez threw another short combo. Riddle landed a body kick but then got hit with a few more punches. Riddle threw a few kicks. Martinez countered another body kick with a couple of punches. Riddle connected on a flurry. They both started throwing wildly. Riddle landed a huge kick and a big flurry of strikes to finish off the round. He'll need a lot more of that in the third.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Martinez. Riddle had a nice surge late, but he's going to need a lot more of that to stop Martinez in the third here.

ROUND THREE: Riddle landed a couple of good body kicks, but Martinez landed a few strikes. Riddle continued pressing through the first minute. Martinez countered a kick with a few strikes. Riddle landed a couple kicks. Martinez landed a left. They exchanged punches. Riddle landed a couple of kicks. Riddle caught a kick from Martinez and took him down. Martinez went for an omoplata, but Riddle transitioned nicely and took his back with two minutes left. Martinez shrugged him off a bit and got to his feet. Riddle threw a head kick as he released. Riddle landed a body kick. He shot in and took Martinez down again. Riddle landed strikes in the guard. He got in a nice elbow. Riddle started unleashing a nicestring of punches. He began beating Martinez up with ground and pound, but it likely wasn't enough to win the fight.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Riddle. He finally turned it on in that round, but failing to do that in the first two rounds very likely cost him the fight. He didn't really start getting in a groove until the last minute of the second round, and that wasn't enough to take a decision here. At least, it shouldn't be.

WINNER: Riddle via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

STAR RATING: (*+) Well, that's the wrong decision. Riddle somehow won the second round with that final flurry despite losing the first four and a half minutes, and Martinez gets shafted in his UFC debut.

FIGHT TWO: MATT BROWN VS. CHRIS COPE (WELTERWEIGHT)

ROUND ONE: Brown took the center and pressed early with a short combo. He connected on a solid right. Cope stayed on the outside and threw some reaching kicks. Brown landed a solid punch. Cope pressed in and Brown grabbed a clinch, driving Cope to the cage. Brown landed a knee but got turned around. Brown turned him around and landed a nice knee and kick on the release. Brown drove in and scored a takedown, and attempted to pass to mount but Cope stood back up. Brown continued to clinch, and he tripped up Cope nicely. Cope bounced right back up, though. Brown separated with an elbow. Brown landed a right. Brown began breathing heavily and he looked at the clock. Brown landed a jab. Both threw a bunch of punches that were missing. Brown landed a leg kick. Cope landed one of his own. Brown landed a hard right. He landed a jab and another right. He landed one high kick as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Brown. He's pressing the pace and doing a lot more offensively, but he has spots open for even more success that he hasn't capitalized on yet.

ROUND TWO: Brown landed an early right, then connected on a body kick. Cope came forward and landed a leg kick. Brown landed a jab. Brown caught a leg kick and unleashed a nice little flurry. He landed a left and continued to press in. Brown landed the overhand right and stunned Cope before dropping him with a left hook. Brown landed a few more strikes on the ground and Cope was out. Nice finish from Brown.

WINNER: Brown via TKO at 1:19 of the second round

STAR RATING: (**) The first round wasn't great, but in the second Brown took advantage of the openings Cope was giving him in the first round and connected on the fight ending strikes. Much needed win for Brown.

FIGHT THREE: EDWIN FIGUEROA VS. ALEX CACERES (BANTAMWEIGHT)

ROUND ONE: Caceres threw a few kicks early on. Figueroa landed a right and Caceres countered with a left. Caceres landed a straight kick but Figueroa countered. Caceres landed a vicious kick to the groin and Figueroa writhed in pain. Ouch. Figueroa took his time to recover, and needed much of his five minutes of recovery. Figueroa landed a right. They traded kicks. Caceres threw a spinning kick. Figueroa rushed in with a few strikes. Caceres landed a solid left. Caceres went high with a kick but it was only grazing. They traded kicks. Figueroa dropped Caceres with a huge head kick. He tried to follow up with strikes on the ground but Caceres recovered. Wow. Figueroa let him stand and landed a few strikes. Caceres turned him around in the clinch. He tried to grab a choke standing, but Figueroa dropped and went for a leg. Caceres took Figueroa's back, but Figueroa escaped. Cacaeres took his back standing. Figueroa tried to drop him down. Caceres worked for the choke with a body lock, but Figueroa defended. Caceres got mount but Figueroa escaped again. Caceres went back to the neck crank, but Figueroa stayed out of trouble. Figueroa continued to defend and Caceres got mount. He got the back again but the round came to an end.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Caceres. The head kick was by far the most significant part of the round, but Caceres had control for most of the round and ended strong in after recovering from the kick.

ROUND TWO: Figueroa rushed in wildly with a few strikes. Caceres connected with a head kick but Figueroa was alright. Figueroa missed a big left. Caceres landed a body kick. He pressed in with a few more kicks. Figueroa rushed again after Caceres slipped, but Caceres got out of the way. Caceres landed another vicious low blow that dropped Figueroa in the center. Figueroa took most of his time to recover again. Herb Dean should take a point from Caceres for that one, but has been concentrating on Figueroa first and foremost. Figueroa gives the go ahead, and Dean takes two points from Caceres. Caceres went on a flurry as they restarted. And that two point deduction puts him in a bad spot. Caceres landed a flurry and grabbed a clinch. He dragged Figueroa to the ground and took his back. He went for the choke but Figueroa defended well. Caceres continued going for the choke as Figueroa continued defending. Caceres turned for an armbar, but Figueroa got out. He tried to get it to a triangle, but Figueroa got out. Figueroa finally got to the guard, then stood and landed a couple of kicks to the legs as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 9-8 Figueroa. The two-point deduction cost Caceres bigtime, but Figueroa still needs a big third round if he hopes to win the fight. Evened up into the final frame.

ROUND THREE: Figueroa landed a good right that had Caceres backing up. Caceres came back with a brief clinch. Figueroa pressed in but Caceres held him off. Caceres landed a couple of punches. Caceres landed a spinning kick to the body. Figueroa landed a hard leg kick. Caceres got the body kick in, Figueroa returned the favor. Caceres landed a superman punch. He landed a nice right. Figueroa landed a hard kick. Caceres landed a right and Figueroa tripped. Caceres took his back standing as he got to his feet. He got the body triangle on against the cage. Caceres continued working for the choke standing, but Figueroa dropped down and got out. Caceres stayed on him in a scramble and took his back again. Figueroa turned around and got into guard. Figueroa landed a few nice punches. Figueroa went for a kneebar, but Caceres got out. He took his back again as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Caceres. Figueroa couldn't do any more than defend on the ground, so this one will come down to how the first round was scored. If Figueroa's head kick knockdown won him that frame, this will be his fight. Split decision likely here.

WINNER: Figueroa via split decision (27-28, 28-27, 28-27)

STAR RATING: (**) Ugly, ugly fight, and the nut shots certainly didn't help things, but Figueroa picked up the win. Caceres cost himself the fight with the second low blow, and even though it was accidental, Dean was well within his rights to make that call. Would have been a majority draw had he just taken one point.

FIGHT FOUR: DUSTIN POIRIER VS. MAX HOLLOWAY (FEATHERWEIGHT)

ROUND ONE: Holloway threw a kick to the body and Poirier landed a leg kick. Holloway rushed in with a few strikes and Poirier covered up. Holloway got in a few more kicks. Holloway landed a flying knee, but Poirier grabbed for a takedown. Holloway held him off. But Poirier stayed on him, picked him up and slammed him down. He passed to mount quickly. Holloway tried to defend and hold control of Poirier's body. Holloway tried to get his back to the cage, but ate a few punches. Poirier grabbed for the armbar. Holloway tried to get out and Poirier locked on a triangle. He rolled it over to a mounted triangle, then extended Holloway's arm and forced a pained tap. Great work by Poirier on the ground.

WINNER: Poirier via submission (mounted triangle/armbar) at 3:23 of the first round

STAR RATING: (**+) Awesome performance from Poirier, but exactly what he was expected to do. Holloway was in way over his head, but equated himself well for a couple of minutes. It's a fight that only happened because injuries took out Poirier's other opponents, but great fighters take out lesser competition convincingly, and that's just what Poirier did tonight.

-Short break before the pay-per-view card starts, so get ready for Dana White and Joe Rogan to yell at you through the TV! But before that, Stephen Thompson's head kick KO over Dan Stittgen from the Facebook prelims makes the FX broadcast.

=====Pay-Per-View Card=====

-The new open is fantastic. The fight highlights mentioned over the weekend are superimposed as the Octagon emerges from the ground. And no, that description in now way does it justice. Then into the "Bring the pain" intro, which despite it's nu-metal terribleness is still a good way to get people amped for a fight night. Goldberg and Rogan welcome the pay-per-view audience and run down what's scheduled for tonight.

FIGHT FIVE: ED HERMAN VS. CLIFFORD STARKS (MIDDLEWEIGHT)

ROUND ONE: Herman landed a few solid lefts early. Starks landed a good right. Both were swinging wildly early before locking up a clinch. Starks pressed Herman to the cage and they traded knees. Starks landed a couple of hard rights in the clinch. Starks landed a good right. He got in again with another right. Starks connected on another flurry. Herman got in with a few punches. They clinched again. Herman landed a few good knees to release. He landed a couple of uppercuts, but Starks came back to the clinch. Herman landed a short elbow. Herman got in a couple more knees. They traded strikes again. Starks landed big with another right and clinched. Herman shot in and scored a takedown into half guard. Starks escaped and got into Herman's guard. Herman landed a few elbows. Starks ended the round on top.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Starks. Solid brawl to start the fight. Starks was getting the better of the exchanges, and got a sweep to end the round on top.

ROUND TWO: They two exchanged strikes to kick off the round. Starks kicked out Herman's back leg as Herman threw a kick, but he let him get up. Herman landed a left and clinched. Starks turned him around. Herman landed a few knees, then tripped Starks up nicely and got the mount. Herman took Starks' back and grabbed for a choke. Starks defended, but then Herman locked it on tighter and forced the tap. Excellent work by Herman.

WINNER: Herman via submission (rear naked choke) at 1:43 of the second round

STAR RATING: (**+) I was impressed by Starks in the first round with a better striking game than he had shown in his UFC deb. However, Herman's submission game is excellent, and after a beautiful trip it was just a matter of time before he locked that in.

FIGHT SIX: RENAN BARAO VS. SCOTT JORGENSEN (BANTAMWEIGHT)

ROUND ONE: Barao landed quick kick to the shoulder of Jorgensen to start the round. He followed with a leg kick. Barao barely missed a spinning kick. He landed a kick inside as Jorgensen tried to find a comfort level. Barao had a flying knee blocked, but stayed on Jorgensen with a strike. Jorgensen grabbed a body lock, but couldn't complete the takedown. Jorgensen landed a jab. Barao barely missed a left. Jorgensen connected with a nice right. Barao landed a left. Jorgensen shot in, but Barao turned him around. Barao landed a nice leg kick. Jorgensen got in a short kick to the leg of his own. Barao landed another hard leg kick. Jorgensen landed a nice jab. Barao landed another hard leg kick. Again he connected. Jorgensen cracked Barao with a nice right but Barao recovered immediately. Barao landed the leg kick again. Jorgensen shot in again, but got turned around on the cage. They separated. Barao went for a spinning high kick that grazed Jorgensen. Barao connected on two nice punches right before the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Barao. Very good start for Barao, but Jorgensen connected on a few nice shots that should keep Barao cognizant of his power.

ROUND TWO: Jorgensen shot in and grabbed a body lock. Barao stuffed it, however, and shrugged him off at the cage. Barao landed a few hard jabs. Jorgensen landed a couple of punches, but Barao countered well. He landed a few more kicks. Jorgensen landed a nice uppercut, but Barao walked through it. Barao landed a nice combination. Barao connected with the straight right a few times. Jorgensen landed a left. Jorgensen shot in and pulled guard. Barao got to half guard. Jorgensen got back to guard. Jorgensen gave up his back to stand, then got loose. Jorgensen landed a left as he came in. He threw a high kick that was blocked. Jorgensen landed a right. Barao landed a spinning kick to the body. Jorgensen went high with a kick but it was blocked. Jorgensen landed a nice right. Barao landed the leg kick again. They traded strikes, with each landing a few. Barao landed a straight kick to the body as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Barao. Jorgensen just can't get comfortable in the fight, and Barao's doing plenty to stay ahead.

ROUND THREE: Jorgensen landed a right as he came straight ahead. He landed a elf took, but Barao sent him back with a jab. They each connected on a few strikes. Jorgensen continued pressing forward, but Barao landed some good strikes to counter. Jorgensen continued walking forward with punches. Barao worked his counters. Jorgensen missed with a hook. Barao landed a nice left. Barao went for a flying knee but it didn't connect. Jorgensen attempted the same but was blocked. they traded punches again. Jorgensen shot in but was stuffed. Barao landed a few more strikes. Barao landed a short flurry. Barao landed another flurry. Jorgensen got in a few punches. The back and forth continued for the final minute. Barao went for a spinning kick late but missed. They traded strikes at the horn.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Barao. Jorgensen tried to pick up the pace that round, but Barao was getting the better of the exchanges throughout the night. Jorgensen's a very tough fighter, but Barao was the better man tonight.

WINNER: Barao via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

STAR RATING: (**) Solid back and forth fight, with Barao taking the advantage throughout, but it was two fairly even fighters mostly canceling each other out. Barao has some cardio questions, as far as whether he could go five rounds with Dominick Cruz or Urijah Faber, but this was a solid performance and another good win under his belt.

FIGHT SEVEN: JOSH KOSCHECK VS. MIKE PIERCE (WELTERWEIGHT)

ROUND ONE: Pierce took the center and almost immediately shot in on Koscheck. He landed a knee in the clinch as Koscheck held him off. Koscheck tried to break free with a few strikes, but Pierce held control. He landed a couple of knees to Koscheck's thigh. Koscheck landed a short elbow and Pierce landed a couple of strikes as they finally separated. They got in the clinch again, and Koscheck pressed Pierce to the cage. The crowd booed as they traded knees in the clinch. Koscheck let go and landed a couple of strikes. Koscheck landed a solid right. Pierce rocked Koscheck with a right. Koscheck caught him with a right. They traded strikes again. Pierce connected on a couple punches, but Koscheck countered with a nice left. Pierce grabbed a single leg, but Koscheck stayed on his feet and stffed it into a clinch. The round ended in the clinch.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Pierce. They each landed a few strikes, but Pierce's clinch work will have taken the edge in that one. Not much happened in that round, though.

ROUND TWO: Pierce landed a nice right hand early. He shot in for a single leg but Koscheck held it off. Koscheck landed a couple of uppercuts in the clinch. They separated with each landing strikes. Koscheck landed a jab. Pierce landed a few jabs. The crowd booed the relative inaction. They traded strikes again. Pierce's head was bleeding from a strike, but it was on his scalp. Pierce shot again and worked in the clinch. More boos from the crowd as they clinched. Koscheck separated with a right. Koscheck shot in and completed a takedown of his own. Pierce tried to roll and Koscheck dragged him down. Koscheck took his back briefly but Pierce got back up. He landed a punch as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Pierce. He's got Koscheck out of his game here. Koscheck needs to go back to his offensive grappling or he'll likely lose here.

ROUND THREE: Koscheck came to the center and they each traded strikes. Koscheck landed a good jab. Pierce grabbed a single leg and completed a takedown. Koscheck got to his feet and got the clinch, turning Pierce around. Koscheck separated with an elbow. Koscheck landed a nice short combo. He got in with another short combo. Pierce landed a couple short punches. Pierce landed a good knee, but Koscheck got in a few punches. Pierce landed a left hook. Koscheck shot in for a single leg. Pierce held it off on the cage. Koscheck landed a knee, and they were separated on the cage. Pierce landed a left, and Koscheck poked Pierce in the eye. Dean had already warned Koscheck about that, so he might get a point taken away here. Nope, one last warning. Koscheck came forward. He landed a short flurry. They clinched briefly. Koscheck landed a body shot. Koscheck shot in for the double leg and completed his own takedown. Koscheck got Pierce's back, but Pierce stood up and landed a spinning elbow as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Koscheck. His striking was better in that round, and getting the even up takedown to negate Pierce's took it. Some feel Koscheck took the second, so we could see another split here.

WINNER: Koscheck via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

STAR RATING: (*+) There wasn't much to that fight at all, and it was one of Koscheck's least enjoyable fights in the UFC. The takedown in the second likely won him the fight, but he was getting out-struck in the round before that, and didn't look very good at any point in the fight.

FIGHT EIGHT: FABRICIO WERDUM VS. ROY NELSON (HEAVYWEIGHT)

ROUND ONE: Werdum threw a couple of kicks early as Nelson tried to walk him down. Werdum landed a knee. He got in a good body kick. Nelson missed a right and Werdum tripped his leg up and took his back. Big sequence for Werdum. Nelson worked back up to his feet. Werdum landed a few knees in the clinch, but he delivered a couple of nice uppercuts of his own. More knees from Werdum in the clinch and Nelson threw a few more strikes. He turned Werdum around and landed a few more strikes. Nelson was cut open on the bridge of his nose. Werdum landed another big knee and started delivering more punches before Nelson turned him around in the clinch again. Nelson landed a few knees to the legs in the clinch. They were separated, and the doctors were brought in to check Nelson's cut.The doctor looked at it and he was good to go. Werdum got in with another good knee. He landed a hard leg kick. Nelson caught a kick and dropped Werdum. Werdum grabbed for an armbar, but Nelson got out and landed a hard right. Nelson let Werdum back up. Werdum landed a few strikes and got in a knee. He threw a wheel kick that missed as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Werdum. Very good start for Werdum. One of the better offensive striking outputs he's had, but Nelson's still got power, so this fight's far from over.

ROUND TWO: Nelson came ahead early. Werdum stumbled Nelson with a knee early. Nelson continued coming forward. He landed a leg kick. Nelson landed a good left hook. Werdum landed a hard leg kick. Nelson landed a right. Werdum rushed in but ate a couple of strikes. Nelson landed a hard uppercut, but Werdum landed a big knee to follow up. Werdum landed a leg kick. Nelson landed a couple strikes but Werdum kept the pressure on with kicks and punches. Both fighters checked the clock halfway through the round. Werdum landed a couple of strikes. Nelson landed a couple of strikes. Werdum connected on a few strikes, but the action had slowed considerably. Werdum landed a body kick. Nelson landed a big right that hurt Werdum and he went on the chase. He landed a left, but Werdum recovered. Nelson landed a strike to end the round.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Werdum. Nelson turned it on late, but he was still losing many of the exchanges. Both guys are very tired into the third.

ROUND THREE: Nelson stalked to begin the round. Werdum tried to shoot in but Nelson grabbed for a standing guillotine. He landed a knee and let it go. Werdum got a couple of strikes in but then Nelson grabbed the clinch. Nelson landed a couple of strikes but Werdum got in a good left. Werdum landed a right and a nice knee. Werdum landed a big left. He connected on a front kick to the face but Nelson stayed up. Nelson went for the overhand right but didn't do much with it. He continued moving forward. Werdum landed another knee.Nelson barely missed a swinging right. Werdum threw a high kick but it was blocked. He then connected on a few strikes. Werdum landed a body shot, then a jab. Nelson threw a spinning kick. He tried to land an overhand right. The round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Werdum. Not a ton happened in that round, but Werdum again controlled the striking in impressive fashion. His knees in the clinch in the first round completely drained Nelson, and he was able to work off that the rest of the fight. Very good performance from Werdum.

WINNER: Werdum via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

STAR RATING: (**+) Fun fight, and Roy Nelson's a tough, tough man. Werdum's striking was much better than I gave him credit for coming in, and he beat the hell out of Nelson in the first two rounds, then continued out-working him in the third. Nelson's as tough as they come, but he just had no answer for Werdum's knees, kicks, and combinations.

MAIN EVENT FIGHT NINE: NICK DIAZ VS. CARLOS CONDIT (INTERIM WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP)

ROUND ONE: Condit landed a leg kick early as he circled around. Diaz stalked from the center and ate another leg kick. Condit again connected on the leg kick. Diaz got in with a left. Condit landed a hard knee to the body as Diaz got in. Condit landed another hard leg kick. Diaz backed Condit to the cage. Condit landed the leg kick. Diaz connected on a few strikes on the cage, but Condit circled out. Condit landed a short left. Diaz continued to stalk. Condit landed a nice kick high. Diaz threw a kick high but Condit blocked it. Condit landed a good body punch before circling away. Condit landed a hard leg kick. Another leg kick. They traded strikes. Condit barely missed a spinning back kick. Diaz landed a short punch as he started jawing at Condit. Condit landed a left. He landed another hard leg kick. He got a spinning elbow in and Diaz clinched. Diaz separated with a right. Condit landed a left. Diaz got in a good combination and Condit landed a left. Diaz got in a few strikes. Condit landed a spinning elbow again. Condit landed a couple of strikes. Condit landed a couple of kicks and strikes before the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Condit. Good start, and even though Diaz is pushing forward it's Condit who is landing more. Condit can't let Diaz dictate the pace like this throughout, however, or it will start going in Diaz's favor.

ROUND TWO: Condit threw a few kicks early that missed. Condit missed a flying knee and a spinning back elbow. Diaz connected a short punch. Condit landed a left. He connected on the spinning back fist and Diaz clinched. Condit got loose. He landed a leg kick. He landed an ice left. Diaz put his hands down and slapped Condit. Then landed a couple more strikes. Condit landed a couple of kicks and circled out. Condit landed a kick high, then a few strikes, but Diaz continued stalking. Diaz landed a right. He landed a good body punch and another to the head. Condit landed a right. Condit landed a couple of strikes. Diaz landed a hard right. Condit connected on a few kicks. Diaz landed a body punch. Condit landed one right back. Condit landed a kick. Diaz landed a flurry of punches to the body on the cage. Condit landed a leg kick. Condit got in with a couple of punches. Diaz got in a good right. Condit missed the spinning back fist again. He landed a kick, and Diaz returned one as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Diaz. His aggression and the fact that Condit is backing up gives him the round. If Condit can't find a way to get more offense in he's going to have a rough night on the scorecards.

ROUND THREE: Condit landed a nice combination early. Diaz landed a strike. Condit landed a body shot and spun out. Diaz land a right. Diaz with a body kick. Condit with a straight kick to the body. Diaz landed a nice combination. Condit got away from the cage with a combo. Condit landed a hard right hand. Condit came forward with a few kicks. He landed a short combo. Condit landed a nice left and circled. Diaz landed a combo. Condit with a body shot and a punch to the head. Diaz went high with a kick that barely got throguh. Condit scored a nice leg kick. Condit landed another nice leg kick. He got one in to the body. Diaz pushed with a flurry, but Condit circled away. Condit landed another leg kick. Diaz tried to goad Condit into an exchange, and Condit responded with a nice flying knee and a few kicks. They traded punches. Diaz got in with a left. Condit went for the flying knee again but missed. Condit landed a nice right and a short elbow. He landed a couple more as Diaz got in. Condit with another hard kick. Diaz landed a body shot. Condit slipped on a kick, but got back to his feet.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Condit. Very good round for Condit, and though Diaz still comes forward, it's Condit scoring with strikes. It's arguable Condit could be up three rounds right now as well.

ROUND FOUR: Condit landed a hard leg kick. Condit landed a good leg kick. He got a kick in to the body. Diaz landed a body kick. He got in another. Condit went high with a kick. He landed a couple of punches and circled. Condit scored again. Diaz landed a body punch and Condit landed a hook. Condit landed a front kick to the face. Condit landed another nice strike. Diaz grabbed for a single leg, Condit stuffed it and landed a combo. Condit landed another leg kick. Diaz rushed in but Condit got out. Condit missed the spinning back fist. Condit continued landing kicks. Diaz landed a body punch. Condit with a good body punch. He landed a nice hook and backed out. Condit landed a beautiful flurry of punches and kicks. Diaz grabbed a leg again and Condit stuffed it.Diaz landed a body kick. Condit landed a hard leg kick. Condit landed a great jab. He landed a hard body kick. He went high with a kick and stuffed another attempt. Condit landed another leg kick. Condit landed another front face kick to end a great round.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Condit. Great, great round. His defense is fantastic, and he's got Diaz completely off his game right now. Diaz has not been effective with his strikes at all, and Condit's not letting him take control.

ROUND FIVE: Diaz came forward with a kick but Condit circled. Condit landed a short combo and threw a high kick. Condit landed a leg kick and circled away. Condit landed a nice right then spun with the back fist. Diaz threw a few kicks. Condit landed a kick to the front leg again. Condit then landed another combination. Condit missed a big right. Condit landed a straight kick to the body. He missed the spinning back fist again. He landed a spinning elbow. Diaz landed body punch. Condit landed another hard leg kick. Condit with a big leg kick, and another big combination. Diaz grabbed a body lock, but Condit got out quickly. Condit threw kick then a right. Diaz landed a combination, but Condit hit him with a knee. Condit landed two in succession. Condit with a huge combination. Condit landed another body kick. Diaz took Condit's back standing then dragged him to the ground. Diaz locked on the body triangle, but Condit defended well. Condit got his feet to the cage, but Diaz stayed on his back. Condit got out and got on top as the round ended.

Penick's Scorecard: 10-9 Diaz. The back control to end the round took it back for him, but he was losing the round before the final two minutes.

WINNER: Condit via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)

-Condit said it was surreal, and he did what his coaches told him to do. Part of the crowd booed the decision, but that was all his fight. Diaz said he's not going to accept this as a loss. He said he pushed him back and worked on top. Diaz said he's thinking of retiring. He said he doesn't need this shit, said Condit was kicking him with little baby leg kicks, and more asinine whining.

STAR RATING: (***-) Carlos Condit fought a brilliant fight. His gameplan was exactly what it needed to be to keep Diaz off his game, and he connected on the better strikes, and with more strikes throughout. He won at least three rounds, with the argument for round number two, and the judges got it right tonight.