Could this be the end for “The Natural Born Killer”?
UFC 195 is in the books and what an event it was. Stipe Miosic punched his ticket for a title fight in the Heavyweight division against the winner of next months clash between Farbicio Werdum and Cain Velasquez. Michael “Mayday” McDonald made a victorious return to the octagon and Dustin Poirier proved any doubters wrong about his position as a contender in the UFC lightweight division with his impressive victory over Joseph Duffy. That being said, none of it could take away from the impressive dog fight that was the main event as reigning welterweight champ Robbie Lawler battled it out with the eight-point assassin known to the masses as Carlos Condit. The main event between the two welterweights showed what mixed martial arts is all about. Sure, there was no ground fighting or grappling exchanges to be seen, but there was something else that was front and center and on full display. The heart and determination of both men was something truly awe inspiring to witness. Both Lawler and Condit found themselves hurt during the bout, both men digging deep into the recesses of their souls to find that little extra spirit to push forward from the first bell until the last. It was the very reason people thought this fight was going to be so impressive. Both men have a never say die attitude that lends itself well to the bloody and violent world of pugilism. Robbie Lawler may have won the decision, a contentious one at that, but you’d hear no one calling this fight a robbery. It was closer to a draw simply because both men went back and forth, blow for blow, no one getting a definitive edge. In the post fight press conference it was clear that emotions were high, particularly on Carlos Condit’s end. After losing the decision Condit went on record saying that this fight was “do or die” insuinuating that the former interim welterweight champion was considering calling it quits if he couldn’t get the victory. And really, who could blame him? In many spectators eyes, Condit was the winner of the fight. When putting on such a performance, one that requires everything of the individual, requires them to fight harder than they ever had before and still come out the loser, it’s easy to imagine why Carlos Condit would contemplate retirement. That being said, Condit also showed exactly why he was granted his title shot. Condit was dangerous throughout the affair and hurt the champion a handful of times. He was also hurt a number of times during the fight and still was able to reach the final bout when Lawler uncorked some vicious bombs. Condit clearly gave it his all and nearly grasped victory. For the New Mexico native to consider calling it quits would truly be a sad consequence to such an amazing display of grit and determination. At this point only time will tell if Condit decides to hang it up. But while he still has some fight left and the wherewithal to perform at his best in the octagon, he should keep at it. Who knows, maybe someday in the near future we could be calling him champion. Do you guys think Carlos Condit should retire? Let us know what you think in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter.