MANILA, Philippines – Welterweight contender Nick Diaz believes he has what it takes to be included among the world’s best pound-for-pound mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters.

Diaz, who nearly sent former UFC champion BJ Penn to retirement, wants to make his case when he faces the “Natural Born Killer” Carlos Condit this weekend in UFC 143.

“I think I'm the most well-rounded fighter in the world. I deserve a spot in the pound-for-pound rankings and that's what I'm fighting for,” Diaz said in UFC.com.

After spending three fight dates in Strikeforce, Diaz made a spectacular return to UFC by scoring a convincing victory over Penn in UFC 137 last October.

Diaz gave Penn a heavy beating during that fight, forcing the former UFC lightweight and welterweight titlist to contemplate retirement.

“I think the people in this sport think I'm crazy… I'm here to fight,” said Diaz.

Diaz believes he will be having a rough time against Condit once they enter the Octagon on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

“He should be ready to fight ‘cause he's the best fighter out there... in my eyes he's better than [UFC welterweight champion] Georges St. Pierre,” said Diaz.

BALLS Channel (Sky Cable Ch34) will be airing UFC 143: CONDIT VS DIAZ via satellite on Sunday, February 5, 2012 starting at 11:30 am.

There will also be a replay on ABS-CBN’s Studio 23