With MMA master Georges St-Pierre still reeling from a knee injury, all eyes will fall on Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit on the UFC 143 betting line. Diaz will have extra motivation to take advantage of the card change as the interim welteweight title will be up for grabs.
Diaz had prepped for the possibility of facing St-Pierre in the February bout, but the incumbent champ’s official withdrawal in December opened the gates for Contin. Fresh off a pair of Knockouts of the Night at both UFC 120 and 132, Contin stands as an intriguing threat and bettors are taking notice.
According to Bovada’s MMA odds makers, however, Diaz — a former Strikeforce welterweight champ — is the front runner on the betting line.
Odds to Win Welterweight Championship at UFC 143
Nick Diaz: -225
Carlos Condit: +175
Can Condit, who’s been a UFC mainstay since 2009, find away to stay competitive against the favored Diaz? Though Diaz has bounced around the MMA circuit, he’s finally back on the greatest stage the sport has to offer. In his return to Ultimate Fighting at UFC 137, he won a decision over B.J. Penn, setting the table for the weekend ahead.
In addition to the betting lines available at Bovada, UFC odds and props exist for the duration of the bout as well. Will the fighters complete two rounds? Three?
Will Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit Complete Four Rounds?
Yes: EVEN
No: -140
Condit  will be chomping at the bit to add a third consecutive first-round knockout to his track sheet, so the onus will be on Diaz to pace the fight. Having not knocked out an opponent of his own since 2004, Diaz’s ability to set himself up for a technical victory is essential in the conflicting battle of styles.
Whichever of the pair emerges from the octagon a winner will stamp his ticket for a future date with the recovering St-Pierre. At that point, the undisputed honor will as well be on the line.
Can Diaz hang on to the advantage he brings into the bout, not just on the UFC betting lines, but as the original card fighter? Time is running out before the bell sounds.
For more betting information, visit Bovada.
