UFC 195: Carlos Condit Poised To Make His Mark Vs. Robbie Lawler

The sport of mixed martial arts is a complex beast — one that is uncertain by its very nature. On one end of the spectrum there is the fast-paced, big-tent promotion of the must-see extravaganza about to unfold, but on the other, a battle that forces those involved to tap into the depths of something primal, all the while having the grace and agility to fire off hands, feet and knees with the precision that has come from countless hours of sharpening through preparation.

It’s a difficult dance where balance is hard to find, and those who do it best achieve such status by being willing to test their mettle against an opponent in all forms and fashions. Anyone who has watched Carlos Condit fight over the past eight years has a clear understanding that “The Natural Born Killer” is one of the very best in the world at doing what he does, and the New Mexico native has become a staple at the elite level of the sport because of his willingness to embrace aspects of the chaos so readily available in the fight game.

The 31-year-old welterweight’s resume is a reflection of the fire he’s walked through time and time again inside the Octagon, and his collection of highlight reel knockouts serve as violent markers of success achieved at a high clip. Yet, with professional glory and the opportunity to obtain the most prominent prize in MMA fixed on his calendar, Condit’s motivations come from a place far beyond the bright lights of the sport’s biggest stage.