Following an extended spell on the sidelines, Carlos Condit has had a lot of time to consider the opponent he wants to fight in his octagon return.

The former interim welterweight champion tore his ACL and meniscus nine months ago and has been recovering ever since. With his time away from the cage almost complete, Condit would like to "settle the score" against Nick Diaz in a rematch.

"You know, Nick Diaz is back in the picture and I was thinking about maybe after he fights Anderson Silva getting that shot at him," Condit told KRQE News (via MMAFighting.com). "Doing a rematch and kind of settling the score."

Condit defeated Diaz via unanimous decision at UFC 143 to become the division's interim champion. While the fight was scored 48-47,49-46,49-46, many believed it was a far closer encounter.

"Nick, for whatever reason, I'm sure he's got his reasons, didn't take the fight," Condit said in March. "But in the future I would be interested in the fight. I think rematches are always intriguing, especially when they're close like that one."

Diaz is scheduled to meet Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC 183 on January 31st. If the UFC decides to go with another fight for Diaz after this, then Condit is open to any other suggestions from the promotion.

"I'm taking it easy. But if the UFC comes through with a fight I'll be ready to get into camp."