Issue 089
June 2012
Before GSP got injured there didn’t seem to be a viable challenger at 170lb, but with his return on the horizon the entire division is champing at the bit to get at him. Here are the leading contenders to the UFC welterweight title.
CARLOS CONDIT
About: Former WEC champion and current UFC interim champion.
Known for: All-rounder who can finish fights standing and on the ground.
Career high: After back-to-back ‘Knockout of the Night’ awards, he got on his bike to counterpunch his way to a unanimous decision over Nick Diaz at UFC 143.
Career low: Dropped a razor-thin decision to Martin Kampmann on his UFC debut.
Chances of a GSP fight: As the man in possession of the interim crown, ‘The Natural Born Killer’ is first in line to face the Canadian.
NICK DIAZ
About: Former Strikefrorce welterweight champion.
Known for: Loved by fans because of his all-action attacking fighting style and his outspoken bad-boy persona.
Career high: His exciting TKO win over Paul Daley in his final Strikeforce fight meant he returned to the UFC as the hottest of properties.
Career low: His win over Takanori Gomi and his momentum gained in defeat to Carlos Condit being undone by drugs tests positive for marijuana.
Chances of a GSP fight: The big-money option. With his legions of fans and gift for making headlines, Diaz could even be given a shot ahead of Condit.
JAKE ELLENBERGER
About: Former Marine who has fought for M-1, Bodog, Bellator and the IFL.
Known for: Hits as hard as anyone currently campaigning at 170lb.
Career high: ‘The Juggernaut’s 53-second demolition of Jake Shields at UFC Fight Night 25 confirmed he was the real deal.
Career low: Was unlucky to lose a split decision against Carlos Condit on his UFC debut in September 2009.
Chances of a GSP fight: With his ability to stuff takedowns then unload bombs on the feet, he could be the man with the skill-set to dethrone GSP.
JOHNY HENDRICKS
About: Outstanding collegiate wrestler, fighting out of Team Takedown.
Known for: Johny’s epic facial hair and enthusiastic grin earned him the nickname ‘Happy Beard Guy.’
Career high: Jon Fitch had been KO’d once prior to his UFC 141 clash with Hendricks. The 12-second one-punch knockout silenced any Hendricks doubters.
Career low: His unanimous decision loss to Rick Story is the only blemish on his record.
Chances of a GSP fight: It may be a little too early for Hendricks, but he looks certain to get his shot down the line.
MARTIN KAMPMANN
About: Former middleweight turned top-ten welterweight.
Known for: Technical striker with a nice line of submissions.
Career high: ‘The Hitman’s last-minute guillotine saw off Thiago Alves at UFC on FX 2 and reminded fans that he can hang with the best.
Career low: His defeat against Diego Sanchez was his second in a row by a close decision. More favorable judging and he could’ve been number-one contender.
Chances of a GSP fight: A match between the Dane and the French-speaking St Pierre could be the ideal matchup to headline a big European fight card.
BJ PENN
About: Hawaiian legend. One of the greatest fighters of his generation.
Known for: A monumental talent with an ego to match.
Career high: Reclaimed the lightweight belt when he caught the bloodied Joe Stevenson in a rear naked choke at UFC 80.
Career low: Battered and bruised courtesy of Nick Diaz’s fists at UFC 137, Penn announced his retirement (again).
Chances of a GSP fight: Penn was hammered in their last meeting and has only one win in his last five fights, but he could be used as a tune-up after a long lay-off.
MIKE PIERCE
About: The latest tough-guy wrestler from Team Quest.
Known for: Likes to take his opponent down then grind out the win.
Career high: Many fans, including a judge and Dana White thought that Pierce beat Josh Koscheck, showing that he can hang with a former title contender.
Career low: Slipped in the pecking order after losing another split decision against Johny Hendricks at UFC 133.
Chances of a GSP fight: He came on strong late in a defeat against Jon Fitch at UFC 107. He maybe hard to sell, but he could have the stamina to provide a real test for GSP.
