If Condit Retires, Who’s Next for Lawler?

After the main event of UFC 195, which saw Robbie Lawler win a close but controversial spilt decision, Tyron Woodley quickly let it be known he wanted the next title shot. However, he wasn’t the only one gunning for the next shot. Demian Maia made it clear that he was also in line to be the next title challenger.

And then, you had the fact that if any fighter deserves a rematch in this era of rematches, it is Carlos Condit. And, really, that’s the one that left Woodley feeling like he’s about to be heartbroken again. Lawler and Condit delivered a spectacular display of violence. They drew their guns and never put then down, and that’s putting it in the least of terms.

In fact, despite a relatively quiet lead to the stage, these two welterweights put on a fight that will endure as one of the best title fights of all time. And that’s despite a controversial decision. It’s that decision, however, that has potentially nixed Woodley’s title aspirations. We can go on and on about judging and who really won the fight, but for the sake of time, let us just say Condit is unclear as to how to proceed next.

Had he won the title, we would be preparing for his reign on the welterweight throne; but, because he lost, we are preparing for his potential retirement from the sport. That leaves the door open for Woodley or Maia. At least we think. You have to believe the rematch is Condit’s if he wants it.

The fight itself and ultimately the judging make a valid point for a rematch. Hardly is it ever this clear. But if Condit doesn’t want it, so be it. In that case, the rightful next challenger, in my opinion, is Woodley.

“The Chosen One” has two solid wins under his belt and is ranked No. 2 right under Rory MacDonald; whereas, Maia is ranked No. 5 and is riding a four fight winning streak with some solid wins over Gunnar Nelson and Neil Magny. You have two sound cases, one better than the other. Yet, is this what we really want? Tyron Woodley or Demian Maia challenging Robbie Lawler for the welterweight title makes sense, more so Woodley.

Logically, and rightfully so, should Carlos Condit retire, Woodley is next in line. There is no other right thing, or I should say, fair thing to do. But I have to admit, it’s not a fight I get excited for, nor is a fight with Maia.

I could be wrong, and a fight with Woodley could be another Lawler classic. That’s the great thing about this sport, it is unpredictable. But, with Woodley, and even more so with Maia, I don’t think it happens and you don’t need anymore evidence than to look at their records. But that’s okay. If or when these two fighters step into the octagon with Lawler, it’ll be a solid contest regardless of which way it goes.

Besides a rematch with Condit or Rory MacDonald, the only other fight we can be sure would deliver exponentially high is a fight against Stephen Thompson. And that’s the guy we should all be paying attention too.

Thompson, currently No. 9 per UFC rankings, is climbing up the ladder impressively and slated to challenge Johny Hendricks who is ranked No. 3 in the division. Thompson is undefeated in 37 amateur and 20 professional kickboxing matches and is 11-1 in mixed martial arts. He is a striker by trade and has been a martial artist since the age of 3 and he’s also studied jiu jitsu since he was 14.

Thompson will give Hendricks trouble if the former champion can’t get the takedown and grind him down. If “Wonderboy” can get through Hendricks in impressive fashion, stoppage or decision, I’d have no problem breaking Woodley’s heart and giving Thompson to Lawler. It wouldn’t be right, but you could rest knowing Thompson is going step into that cage and fire punches and kicks at Lawler, possibly setting up another great classic in what will become Lawler’s legendary title run.

Of course, this is all dependent on what Condit decides to do and if Thompson can get by Hendricks. Nonetheless, it’s time to sit back and let this picture unfold. Condit deserves the rematch and if that is how it plays out, excellent. If not, I’ll be keeping an eye out on Thompson with my fingers crossed.