No matter how much some fighters grow and evolve over the course of their careers, no matter how hard they try, they can’t change who they really are. Last night Nick Diaz proved that his long hiatus from the UFC and the many victories he notched up in other promotions were only a moment in time, he is still the same fighter that came into the promotion back in 2003. The same fighter that stood with the likes of Robbie Lawler and Diego Sanchez, and the same fighter who got in a fight with Joe Riggs at the hospital post-UFC 157.
In a fight that was promoted as being the first exchange of the welterweight title in almost four years, the interim title belt was being seen by most as a precursor to a Nick Diaz and Georges St. Pierre later in the year. Many people felt that Nick Diaz posed the last legitimate threat to St. Pierre for the welterweight title – unfortunately, we may never actually know if that’s true. As the announcement of Carlos Condit’s victory was read, there was a sigh of disappointment that could be heard across the Mandalay Bay Arena – not because Diaz lost, but because we won’t see Diaz fight St. Pierre (at least not yet).
Carlos Condit used every tool in arsenal in a well laid out strategy that stifled Nick Diaz from getting into his comfort zone of “corner and swarm”, and subsequently claimed victory. Condit’s strategy almost felt somewhat reminiscent of Frankie Edgar’s against BJ Penn – stick and move, stick and move. While to some this may seem like an avoidance tactic, it’s often very effective against fighters who like to smother their opponents.
It was at the end of this fight that we saw the true Nick Diaz come out. Frustrated by his loss, and his inability to execute his game plan against Condit, Nick Diaz hinted that he might retire, mainly because he didn’t want to fight opponents like Condit if that’s what the UFC was offering (meaning he doesn’t want to face opponents who can beat him, of course). While it’s unlikely that Diaz will retire at such a young age, it’s antics like this that show little Diaz has actually matured as a fighter.
In my opinion, Diaz should use this opportunity to re-tool and re-evaluate. If the Nick Diaz that fought last night came out against a healthy St. Pierre he would lose – and I have every confidence in that statement. He didn’t do enough to win, and that’s it.
While the build-up to the St. Pierre fight will not be nearly as entertaining as it would’ve been with Nick Diaz as the heel (St. Pierre even said he wanted Diaz to win so they could fight), we will still be treated a fight between the best in the division in November. Hopefully, Diaz can come back and fight for the title – the antics might be irritating, but they make for great showmanship!
Other notes…
- Fabricio Werdum showed a solid stand-up game, taking Roy Nelson to a three-room decision.
- Josh Koscheck irked out a three round victory against Mike Pierce.
- Renan Barao looked impressive in his decision win against former title contender Scott Jorgenson
- Ed Herman made quick work of Clifford Starkes with an early second round rear-naked choke.
… and that is the last word.
