Former UFC interim welterweight champion was initially scheduled to face Rory MacDonald in the co-main event of next month’s UFC 158, but MacDonald suffered an injury and he will now face Johny Hendricks.
Condit (28-6) was disappointed to hear that MacDonald suffered an injury and is out of the fight, but he is happy that the UFC was able to find a strong replacement in Hendricks.
“While I was disappointed to hear that Rory MacDonald is injured, I am glad that the UFC was able to find a strong replacement for the fight in Johny Hendricks,” Condit said. “He is one of the toughest Welterweights in the world, and has quickly risen up the ladder in our division. We are similar in that we like to stay active and aggressive in our fights, so this should be a great fight for the fans to watch.”
UFC 158 is less than a month away, but Condit will have plenty of time to get ready for his opponent. Condit has heard Hendricks call him out in the past and now he has the opportunity to back up what he has said.
“I have been training for Rory MacDonald, but there is plenty of time left to switch my focus to Hendricks. With eight weeks left, I will need every moment to be fully prepared for this battle. He’s called me out in the past, and now is his chance to try to back that talk up. I’ll be ready for him.”
UFC President Dana White has previously stated that if Hendricks wins at UFC 158, he will be next in line for a title shot. If Condit is able to get the victory, it’s not known if the UFC would give him another shot at the welterweight title since he was just defeated by current UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.