When two hyper-aggressive fighters with a history of highlight-reel finishes clash, violence is usually the sole certainty. Both men definitely lived up to their respective reputations last night.
Wary of his opponent’s leg kicking prowess, Condit came out cautiously, employing frequent stance switches and utilising his range advantage. Alves, fighting in his homeland for the first time in almost a decade, didn’t deviate from the script however as he threw several well-placed kicks to Condit’s legs and body. It was a fairly slow opening frame with both men clearly respecting the power of the other, but the fight took a turn for the wild with a wicked elbow early in the second.
Initially more of the same, a quick, Condit-thrown standing elbow changed the complexion of the match completely. The shot crushed Alves’ nose, releasing a cascade of blood and sending the Brazilian to the mat. Smelling another finish to add to his impressive collection, Condit swarmed, repeatedly smashing Alves with a tirade of punches and elbows. Alves gamely fought back, but ‘The Pitbull’ couldn’t withstand Condit’s pressure as he was taken back down the ground after impressively recovering from the initial onslaught. Returning to his corner at the conclusion of the round, the doctors swiftly waved the fight off after deeming Alves unfit to continue.
Condit couldn’t have dreamed of his return going any better. The Greg Jackson-trained fighter hasn't looked this impressive since his title contender form back in 2012. ‘The Natural Born Killer’ figures to remain an integral part of the 170 pound division’s elite, but he might have to wait with Johny Hendrick’s likely next in line for a shot at the winner of July’s UFC 189 co-main event. It might not be a fight worth taking in the meantime, but he does have unfinished business with a certain Matt Brown. A fight between these two would undoubtedly be a mouthwatering prospect.
UFC Fight Night 67 Main Card Results
Welterweight
Carlos Condit def Thiago Alves via TKO (doctor stoppage) in round 2
Featherweight
Charles Oliveira def Nik Lentz via submission (guillotine choke) in round 3
Welterweight
Alex Oliveira def KJ Noons via submission (rear naked choke) in round 1
Light Heavyweight
Francimar Barroso def Ryan Jimmo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Lightweight
Francisco Trinaldo def Norman Parke via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Welterweight
Darren Till def Wendell Oliveira via KO (elbows) in round 1
What did you think of the fight and this Fight Night in general? Leave your comments and analysis below!
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