Carlos Condit Is Picking BJ Penn Over Nick Diaz

By Mark Wayne | September 14, 2011

Carlos Condit has become very familiar with BJ Penn.

Before being granted a surprise shot at UFC welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre thanks to Nick Diaz's refusal to participate in his pre-fight media obligations, Condit was slated to face off against Penn at UFC 137. The Natural Born Killer had been quoted as deeming Penn the most dangerous opponent of his career and he was preparing himself accordingly, studying The Prodigy's skill set through and through.

Now, Condit faces an arguably stiffer test in welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre, and Penn will be keeping his spot in the co-main event opposite Nick Diaz. During a recent appearance on Sports Town Chicago, Condit discussed the Penn-Diaz match-up, predicting that his originally scheduled opponent will most likely win the night come October 29.

"I think BJ probably takes it," predicted Condit. "I think his stand up is better, but I don't know. Nick has unorthodox striking that he uses very well, is pretty effective for him. Yeah, I think BJ takes it, but I wouldn't count Nick out."

Since returning to compete in the welterweight division he once and briefly ruled, Penn has gone 1-0-1, knocking out Matt Hughes in twenty-one seconds and fighting Jon Fitch to a draw. He most recently appeared in action against Fitch, back in February at UFC 127.

Diaz vacated his Strikeforce welterweight title -- which he defended three times -- to take the fight with St-Pierre and, though that fell through, now finds himself a member of the UFC's welterweight roster. The Stockton native is on a ten-fight winning streak, remaining undefeated since he suffered a TKO (cut) loss to KJ Noons in 2007.