Carlos Condit better be ready for a lot of raised eyebrows. A lot of chuckles. A lot of low whistles.
Why? Because he has a big, huge black eye in his new driver's license photo. That shiner is courtesy of Robbie Lawler, who gave Condit that little gift at UFC 195 on January 2—apparently just three days before Condit had to visit his local motor vehicle administration facility for a new license and photo.
Condit shared the photo Monday on his Instagram account (h/t MMA Junkie).
"When you have to take a new driver's license photo three days after a fight with Lawler," the caption read.
It's a good sign Condit is able to have at least a little bit of fun in the wake of that fight, which lasted a punishing five rounds with Lawler's welterweight title on the line. Though many believe Condit did enough to win the fight and the belt, Lawler ultimately edged Condit on the judges' scorecards for a split-decision win.
A notoriously fierce competitor, the popular Condit (30-9) was gracious in defeat but said on Monday's episode of The MMA Hour (h/t Dave Doyle of MMA Fighting) a rematch with Lawler was "the only fight that raises my pulse." It is unclear whether UFC officials will make that fight.
In the wake of the loss, the 31-year-old Condit indicated he may also consider retirement. It is not clear how Condit will ultimately decide whether to continue fighting or who besides Lawler might ultimately make for a challenge Condit deems sufficient to hold his interest.
As for the champ, the 33-year-old Lawler (27-10-1) has repeatedly expressed a general willingness to fight anyone. Lawler is now on a five-fight winning streak and has successfully defended his title twice—once last year in a classic for the ages with Rory MacDonald and again this month against Condit.
Lawler and Condit are both known as some of the most violent fighters in MMA, at welterweight or any other division. Between them, they have 35 professional wins by knockout.
