According to the manager of Carlos Condit, Malki Kawa, the welterweight did not agree to step aside from his scheduled title fight with champion Georges St. Pierre, to clear the way for a bout between the latter and Nick Diaz. Kawa reportedly released a prepared statement to HNDet’s “Inside MMA” program on Monday saying:

“We are obviously disappointed in the UFC’s decision to cancel its commitment with Carlos Condit to give another fighter an opportunity at the welterweight title based on emotional reactions from UFC 137. Contrary to what has been stated, Carlos did not step aside to allow this to happen, and would not just hand over an opportunity for him to achieve his greatest career goal, one that he has earned through his strong performances in the Octagon. No option was given to him.”

After Nick Diaz earned a unanimous decision win over BJ Penn Saturday night, the outspoken fighter called out St. Pierre, before stating that he believed the champion was faking the injury which had postponed his bout with Condit.

According to UFC President Dana White, an angry St. Pierre approached him afterwards and asked to fight Diaz next, rather than Condit. In the UFC 137 post-fight press conference, White stated that Condit had agreed to step aside.

UFC 137 had originally been set to feature Diaz vs. St. Pierre, however, after Diaz missed two press conferences to promote the bout, the UFC moved Condit in to replace the former Strikeforce champion.