Sherdog’s Top 10: Greatest Welterweights

9. Carlos Condit

Tragically, Condit never did become undisputed UFC champion, despite certainly deserving that accomplishment. Condit entered his showdown against Georges St. Pierre at UFC 154 with an amazing record of 28-5, featuring some stellar wins, like a one-minute submission of Frank Trigg, submissions of Brock Larson, John Alessio and Carlo Prater, knockouts of Rory MacDonald, Dan Hardy and Dong Hyun Kim, and a decision win over Nick Diaz to capture the interim welterweight crown. Condit was a more evolved striker than virtually any his contemporaries back then, with a kickboxing style utilizing more jabs and kicks and less focused on power punches. He also was a BJJ virtuoso in his prime, submitting a slew of skilled grapplers, though his takedown defense was always a relative weakness. Unfortunately for Condit, that was a weakness St. Pierre was especially well-suited to exploit, and the champ used takedowns to defeat him soundly.

Condit wasn't done yet, and despite losing to Tyron Woodley and Johny Hendricks, he gained revenge over Martin Kampmann, whom he had lost to via split decision, with a fourth round knockout and finished Thiago Alves with strikes for good measure. That granted Condit a title shot against Robbie Lawler, and most believe he deserved the nod. Alas, he didn't get it, and a combination of miles on the odometer—the Lawler challenge was Condit's 39th fight—and diminished motivation spelled the end of his prime, though he was only 31 years old at the time. However, Condit achieved enough to be considered one of the greatest welterweights ever.

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