Wild week in UFC leads to questions, not answers

It has been exactly one week since Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit met at UFC 143 for the interim UFC welterweight title. In that span there has been controversy, drama, anticipation and utter disappointment. Any time a Diaz brother is involved, there's always a chance of one of those feelings manifesting itself. 

Carlos Condit was victorious by a, controversial, unanimous decision
over Nick Diaz at UFC 143 for the interim UFC welterweight title.

Last Saturday night was supposed to be an epic night for the 209 native. He was fighting in the main event for a chance to become a UFC champion and, possibly, a future bout with Georges St. Pierre later this year. However, his opponent, Carlos Condit, had different ideas. Condit instilled a game plan that Diaz was not expecting. Diaz chased Condit for all five rounds as Condit utilized the cage and basically ran to lure Diaz in.

Every round was close, but to most fans it looked as if Diaz had won the first two and Condit took the second two rounds. Many saw the fight as an even contest heading into the fifth and final round. Again, that round was another close one but when Diaz got the lone takedown of the night it looked as if he had clinched a title win. Then, the judges gave their decision. Two judges had it 49-46 and the third scored it 48-47 all for Condit.

Many, when hearing the announced winner, were shocked as they saw Condit run for five rounds and Diaz continuously attack. That, however, was not even the most shocking moment of the night. Afterwards while still in the octagon Nick Diaz went on a, for the lack of a better term, tantrum. He questioned the judging, the outcome of the fight, the amount of respect he's been given and his place within mixed martial arts. In the end, he announced his retirement the only way a Diaz can saying "I'm outta this shi*t".

As the days passed and speculation arose about how certain Diaz was on his retirement, UFC President Dana White said that Diaz deserved time away and had a right to be upset. He also said that Diaz would always have a home in the UFC.

About midway through this past week rumors started to swirl about a possible Diaz vs. Condit 2. White confirmed the rumors and had said both fighters had agreed, but neither camps were confirming that said fight would take place. Then there were hints of an impending announcement by NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) that would block any type of rematch.

All day Wednesday there was a feeling that Diaz's semi-retirement would become a forced one by Thursday afternoon. Those feelings would prove to be correct.

Early Thursday NSAC sent out an e-mail notifying the UFC that Nick Diaz had tested positive for marijuana before his interim title fight at UFC 143. Being a past offender, Diaz is likely to be suspended for up to one-year. Dana White sent out a comment via e-mail in which he said, "I am beyond disappointed that he tested positive for marijuana. It is now in the hands of the Nevada State Athletic Commission". The NSAC will reportedly meet with Diaz in April for a hearing on whether he will face disciplinary action.

Where does this leave Diaz? If he is suspended for one-year, Diaz might ultimately decide to retire and leave behind MMA. If not, chances are we will see Diaz in the UFC again. Whether or not he will be a title contender when he returns is up in the air.

As for Condit, the UFC and the welterweight division? The door is open for Condit to wait for GSP to unify the welterweight titles or to accept an offer to fight another welterweight. One of the promotion's deepest divisions is ready to be taken over by anyone. 

Follow me on Twitter @NiteshDutt.