February 2012 - Page 4 of 5 - Last Word On Sports

UFC 143: Some Things Never Change…

Posted on February 5, 2012November 5, 2021 by Mark Modeski

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.

This just in…. Giants Win the Superbowl!

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Ben Kerr

The Giants win the Superbowl. Don’t even watch tomorrow unless you really like the commercials.

In a monumental faux pas, someone from the Giants.com accidentally posted a picture of the Giants having won tonight’s Superbowl clash with the Patriots. Oops! This will be especially embarrassing if the team fail to take down New England. Here is a link to the story:

http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/02/04/giants-website-announces-super-bowl-champ-on-saturday/?module=HP11_headline_stack

A Complete Overhaul of a CFL Team

Posted on February 5, 2012November 4, 2021 by Carl Mostacci

: Running Back Martell Mallett at his Hamilton Tiger Cat Press Conference Announcement Signing

The Hamilton Tiger Cats have made several key coach and player personnel moves both on and off the field during this CFL off-season. Some of the moves were not surprising, like the signing of George Cortez as head coach and trading quarterback Kevin Glenn in exchange for Henry Burris.

However many of the moves General Manager Bob O’Billovich has made are very surprising. Firing Head Coach Marcel Beufeuille two days after Grey Cup was one. I think many were surprised because both gentlemen were seen together during Grey Cup week, and no sign of Beufeuille’s firing was apparent. The timing of this move caught many CFL followers like myself off-guard.

Then this past week, the Tiger Cats dropped a bomb by announcing they had signed former BC Lion stand-out running back Martell Mallett. Contract terms have not been released. Mallett last played in the CFL in 2009, racking up 1240 rushing yards in his rookie season. He then bounced around between the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants with limited success.

At first, this moves seems very surprising because prior to last season Hamilton signed former Alouette running back Avon Cobourne to a deal. Colbourne was an inspirational leader in a Ticat dressing room with many younger players. On the field, he put his money where his mouth was rushing for 961 yards and scoring 8 touchdowns. In a very classy move, after the Mallett signing the Ticats approached Cobourne and asked what he wanted to do. He asked to be released from his contract and the team did so.

But after digesting Bob O’Billovich’s move it does make sense. Cobourne is 32 and it appears his best football days are behind him. Mallett is only 25 and still has several excellent running years ahead of him. Plus the signing of Mallett saves the Ticats money they can use to upgrade other areas of the team. With the emergence of Terry Grant last season, and the Mallett signing, The Ticats have one of the youngest and likely one of the most exciting backfields in the CFL.

Finally the Ticats hired Jim Daley as Special Teams Co-Ordinator, Nelson Martin as Defensive Backs Coach and Ryan Sheahan as running backs coach. All three men have CFL experience and I feel Head Coach George Cortez will surround himself with excellent personnel to take this team to the next level.

The past three seasons, the Tiger Cats have hovered around the .500 mark. The job was not getting done, and so changes have been made. This team has been completely overhauled, like a car. The engine (Head Coach), transmission (Quarterback) and other key parts (Assistant Coaches, Running Back) have been replaced to take this team to the next level. Previously this team was like the little engine that could stating “I think I can, I think I can.” But ultimately did not. The 2012 Hamilton Tiger Cats edition look like they may be able to say “I know I can, I know I can.”

But time will tell. For the time being I will follow the motto “In Obie, we trust!” I’m a huge CFL fan, but I’m not a football expert. Bob O’Billovich knows how to evaluate and scout football talent very well. He has done a fantastic job doing that since he arrived as Ticat General Manager in 2008, bringing in excellent talent. Hopefully the coaching staff is now in-place to take that talent to the next level and be the big engine that can.

What do you think?

And That’s The Last Word!!!!!!!

Serie A: Week 21 Review and Week 22.

Posted on February 5, 2012November 4, 2021 by Frank Giuliano

Week 21 Review of Serie A

Four matches were suspended from severe weather in Italy in mid-week. That match between League leaders Juventus FC and Parma FC at the Stadio Tardini was suspended due to inclement weather. Atalanta -Genoa, Bologna-ACF Fiorentina, and Siena Calcio-Catania Calcio can all be added to that list. The match of the day was the thriller at the San Siro between Internazionale FC and Palermo which ended 4-4 and was basically a continuation of what was witnessed in Palermo at the beginning of the season. Diego Milito scored all four goals for the Nerazzurri while Fabrizio Miccoli bagged a hat trick for the Rosanero! This IS ITALIAN SOCCER! Cagliari Calcio fought back to defeat AS Roma 4-2 in another fantastic match in Sardegna. At the Stadio Olimpico di Roma, SS Lazio took their chances as the Biancocelesti beat out the AC Milan 2-0. This is a crucial loss for the Rossoneri. At this point, the Diavoli now remain 1 point behind Juve as the Bianconeri have a game in hand.

Week 22 Preview

Week 22 has already postponed the Saturday games due to the horrible winter storms in Italy. The games between AS Roma v Internazionale FC has been moved to Sunday, whereas Cesena Calcio v Catania Calcio has been postponed to another date. The Sunday night game between AC Milan and SSC Napoli has been moved forward to the afternoon due to the frigid weather that Italy has not seen in over 30 plus years. Speaking of this fixture, this encounter means a lot for both of these sides. Both sides will be looking for this win as neither team has been playing to potential of late. Rossoneri coach, Massimiliano Allegri, may have to deal with an Ibra-less attack; a striker who has been scoring majority of the goals for his club this season. At the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, ACF Fiorentina will host Udinese Calcio. The Friuli side will aim to continue the high flying season it has had thus far. Fiorentina will be hoping their new signings, Amauri, will get them the victory. At the Marassi Stadium in Genova, Genoa FC will take on SS Lazio as both teams are riding high. The Grifone (Genoa) will be looking for its third straight home win, as the Biancocelesti have been boosted from their win over Milan in midweek. In Torino, Juventus FC will welcome Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte’s former club, Siena FC, to the new Juventus Stadium. Last time these two teams met up in Torino, Juve surrendered a three goal lead and to tie the Tuscan side 3-3. I expect a different story this time around since the Old Lady’s title ambition has been sparked by Milan’s loss in midweek. Juve should remain undefeated in 22 games this season! All eyes will be on the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday as the game of the week features AS Roma hosting Inter. Both teams excelled in December and January, and have been recently experiencing a slight decline in performance. This game will be interesting as these teams really do not like each other. Nerazzurri boss Claudio Ranieri still has hard feelings towards Roma and will be eager to claim the three points. As a Milanista, I personally will be cheering for the Giallorossi. Thats the last word.

Week 21		01 Feb 2012
Atalanta	P – P	Genoa
Bologna	P – P	Fiorentina
Cagliari	4 – 2	Roma
Inter	4 – 4	Palermo
Lazio	2 – 0	Milan
Napoli	0 – 0	Cesena
Novara	1 – 2	Chievo
Parma	P – P	Juventus
Siena	P – P	Catania
Udinese	2 – 1	Lecce

LATEST
Week 22 05 Feb 2012 (14.00 UK)
Cesena	P – P	Catania(Sat 14.00)
Chievo	Preview	Parma
Fiorentina	Preview	Udinese
Genoa	3 – 2	Lazio(11.30)
Juventus	Preview	Siena
Lecce	Preview	Bologna
Milan	Preview	Napoli
Novara	Preview	Cagliari
Palermo	Preview	Atalanta
Roma	Preview	Inter

FIXTURES
Week 23 12 Feb 2012
Atalanta	–	Lecce
Bologna	–	Juventus
Cagliari	–	Palermo
Catania	–	Genoa
Inter	–	Novara
Lazio	–	Cesena
Napoli	–	Chievo
Parma	–	Fiorentina
Siena	–	Roma
Udinese	–	Milan

A Look Into the Super Bowl: Strong Special Teams

Posted on February 5, 2012November 4, 2021 by Ben Kerr

I have been trying to come up with a pick for this game all week and I just can’t do it. I am never afraid to make a pick but in this situation I feel like it is a true crapshoot. The teams appear so even to me and it really just comes down to who plays better on Sunday. Of course it always come down to who just plays better on sunday – but usually I am able to convince myself of one outcome or another and run with it; not this time.

In this game I see the Giants as the slightest of favorites. This is because I think almost everyone in Indianapolis is going to want the Patriots to lose on Sunday. The Giants are also by far the more balanced team. On offense any Giants fan has to love the way Eli Manning is playing right now and those three wide receivers might be the most dangerous group of players in the NFL right now.

On the defensive side they have a tremendous D-line that has frustrated three straight quality opponents. The Patriots just can’t match them on the defensive side. I don’t care what they have done these playoffs, it came against Tim Tebow and Joe Flacco, and Eli Manning is much different.

But these Patriots are more like the old Pats than the high-flying 2007 team. They fight, they don’t mind a close game, they have proven they can come from behind and they don’t get rattled by a big play going against them. They can truly win any style of game – they have been the definition of tough. And they do have the team of destiny feel. This season has been dedicated to Roberts Kraft’s wife Myra. The last time the Patriots dedicated a season to somebody they went 16-0 in the regular season and fell one game short of perfection. The season was dedicated to deceased lineman, Marquise Hill. Before that they dedicated the 2001 championship season to QB coach Dick Rehbein who died during training camp. These factors all balance out in my mind. I don’t know who has the edge.

So what will be the deciding factor in this game? It might just come down to who steps up and makes a play on special teams. It happens more often than you might think. Just last week both conference championship games came down to which team could make a big special teams play in the end. The Baltimore Ravens missed a FG that could have sent the game to overtime. The San Francisco 49ers fumbled the game away in overtime on a punt return. So often games of this calibre come down to a special teams play at the end of the game.

In the 2001 Patriots Super Bowl I mentioned earlier, it was Adam Vinatieri who booted the game winning kick as time expired to deliver the Pats their first championship. They would not have even been in that game had it not been for two clutch kicks earlier in the playoffs to extend and win the game against the Oakland Raiders in the division championship round.

The last time the Patriots won it all it was a shoot-out versus the Carolina Panthers but the game still came down to a winning field goal by Vinatieri in the dying moments. This play was set up by a special teams blunder when the Panthers booted a kickoff out-of-bounds to give the Pats good field position to make the winning FG. To take it further the only reason the game was tied at that point was that the Panthers failed to convert for any points after two of their TD scores, the Patriots took advantage and made a 2-point conversion following their final TD. That three-point swing was the difference in the final score. The last time the Patriots lost in the playoffs they made a crucial special teams error in the first half against the Jets setting them up for a big touchdown. Patrick Chung took a punt-fake and tried to run up the gut in Patriots’ territory. The try wasn’t even close and from that point on the Patriots were battling uphill.

The Giants themselves know a lot about winning on special teams. They rebuilt their franchise winning low scoring games where every special teams score is crucial in the Bill Parcells era. But these new Giants have experienced this too. Everyone remembers the Norwood play, but does everyone remember that Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes kicked the Giants into the 2007 Super Bowl with a 47 yard overtime FG to vanquish the Packers in the NFC championship games? The Patriots – Giants Super Bowl that year didn’t exactly come down the a special teams play. But the Patriots did have to field a kick return with time running out. Despite being the 4th best team all season at returns they were unable to advance the ball beyond their 26 yard line despite the kick falling at the Patriots 9. In week 17 of that season everyone remembers the Giants battling the Patriots tough in a close loss – the game came down to Mike Vrabel recovering an onside kick to seal the victory for the Patriots.

Even during their match-up during the regular season this year special teams played a big factor in a close game. Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed a FG at the end of the half that could have been the first points score in the game. Later the Patriots fumbled a punt return setting up the Giants with great field position (they didn’t score), and the Giants fumbled a punt of their own.

The 2006 Super Bowl opened with a Devin Hester kick return that almost swung the game and kept the Bears in it until the end despite some poor offensive play. The last huge special teams play in a Super Bowl came during the 2009 season when the New Orleans Saints opened the second half with an onside kick recovery that tipped the game in their favor.

Special teams can be everything in a game this close. So who will have the edge in that department this Sunday? Footballoutsiders.com rates special teams effectiveness for the entire season and they currently have the Patriots as the 3rd best special teams in the league and the Giants falling in at 12th. Neither team gets great returns but the Patriots get their strength from having the 3rd and 2nd best kick and punt coverage respectively. The Giants rank below the Patriots in every category except for kick returns.

So who has the final edge? I have to give it to the Patriots. Not just because the stats bear it out but the Patriots have won big games with special teams in the past. Gostkowski has been one of the leagues best since his career started and has come through nearly every time in clutch situations. Lawrence Tynes had the big kick to send the Giants to the Bowl in 2007 but earlier in that game he missed two potential game winners. Gostkowski is also much more experienced, and much more accurate that Tynes on long field goals. I give the kicking edge to the Patriots. Their coverage teams have also been stellar all year so it is hard to see the Giants getting a game-altering return. Both coaches have it in them to make a big call in a big situation, and I think both will be planning on it this Sunday knowing how close this game could be. I like the way the Patriots have responded in tight situations this year and if it comes down to special teams in this game I expect them to make the play.

I expect both defenses to play well and the game to go down to the wire. But the Patriots make the clutch plays in the end, including a game winning field goal. Patriots 23 Giants 20

…and that is the last word.

Phantom's Saturday NHL Picks – February 4, 2012

Posted on February 4, 2012November 4, 2021 by Grant Alexander

With the large number of games being played during the week to compensate for the All-Star break, and the four scheduled matinee games, we have a lighter line up than usual this Saturday night. Only eight games on the docket, unless you happen to be a Proline Pools player. Because of the short number of games Proline has included two of the matinee games on their Saturday pool ticket to round it out to ten. I will include those two games on my list here, but be warned that if you want to play the pool this Saturday, you will have to have your ticket in by 2pm instead of the usual 7pm.

Washington @ Montreal

Both teams are looking for a win tonight as they have each lost twice this week. Montreal always plays tough at home, and Washington needs a win to get back into the playoffs. I’m going to take the Caps in this tight game, as their need is more dire. Washington at 1.80.

Vancouver @ Colorado

Colorado is slowly forfeiting their playoff chances as they have lost their last four games. Vancouver on the other hand, is on the other side of the spectrum trying to catch Detroit for the Conference lead. I like the safe money here, as it’s always hard to break out of a slump against a top team like the Canucks. Vancouver at 1.45.

Toronto @ Ottawa

Kessel and Lupul are back in Ottawa to reunite with the Senators’ stars after their victory with Team Chara at the All-Star game. This won’t be a friendly affair though as the battle of Ontario is back in a big way. Look for nasty game that goes right down to the wire as both teams fight to avoid a big 4-point swing in the standings. I would consider this game dead even, except for two small factors. Ottawa is at home, but they played the night before. Which leans me towards Toronto’s side, as I would rather take the rested team over the home team. Toronto at 1.85.

Buffalo @ New York Islanders

Very similar situation with this game. Aside from the fact that there is no real rivalry here, both of these teams are close in the standings, and like Ottawa, the home team was in action last night. I will again take the rested road team, who like Toronto, also happens to be a slight dog. Buffalo at 1.85.

Los Angeles @ Carolina

These teams actually have similar records over their last ten games despite the different directions they are heading. L.A needs to win to gain a little breathing space in the west, and funny enough Carolina actually needs to lose to try and hang on to a possible lottery pick. Of course they won’t actually try to lose, but I will still take the Kings here. Los Angeles at 1.65.

Florida @ Tampa Bay

Battle of the sunshine state, or is that Denver? Never mind. Anyway, big rivalry game for these teams and they both need the win. Tampa is on their way up, as Florida is on their way down. And both are hoping to grab a hold of that eighth rung. I like the Lightening as their stock continues to rise, and unlike the games above, this time the home team will be the rested one. Tampa Bay at 1.65.

St. Louis @ Nashville

Well so much for change, as we continue with what seems to be trending today, and no I don’t mean breading. This matchup features another divisional rivalry with one of the teams tired from the night before. The only difference this time is the home team is heavily favoured. And I don’t like heavily favouring teams that are that close in the standings. The Blues are getting 2 to 1 here when they are actually the better team, and have the goaltending to be in any game despite how weary they are. I still like Nashville to win straight up, but the odds favour St. Louis. Nashville at 1.55.

Minnesota @ Dallas

I’m not going to go into a lot of detail here, except to say; Minnesota won’t be in the playoffs come April, and Dallas could be. Dallas at 1.50.

San Jose @ Phoenix

I have actually been impressed with The Coyotes so far this year, but not enough to grant them a playoff spot. Or a win in tonight’s game. I don’t think even Acme could help them win this one! Meep, meep! San Jose at 1.40.

Detroit @ Edmonton

Do you think Gagner has another 8 points in store for tonight? I hope for Edmonton’s sake he does, cause that’s probably what it’s going to take to pull off the win. Detroit at 1.35.

Favorites

Vancouver
Los Angeles
Dallas
San Jose
Detroit

Pick ‘ems

Washington
Toronto
Buffalo
Tampa Bay
Nashville

Underdogs

Washington
Toronto
Buffalo

OWC (Odds Worth Considering)

St. Louis 2.00

That’s it for this week. Look for more Phantom picks coming next week. And as always, good luck, and let me know how you did!

Horseracing: For Love and Glory

Posted on February 4, 2012November 4, 2021 by Dwayne Edwards

“They’re at the post …… and they’re off!” famous words in the world of thoroughbred horse racing as these incredibly fit, muscle-toned equine athletes break from the starting gate. When the horses turn for home, the fans scream and cheer, the thundering hooves pounding the ground, the jockeys yelling, chirping, whistling, whipping, scrubbing in beat with the horse – all for the same reason, the “Winners Circle”! This is where you see the joy from hours upon hours of hard work pay off. There are so many people involved, so much money involved, and so much love for these animals, in this gamblers paradise known as “The Sport of Kings”.

It’s a beautiful sight at 5 in the morning; the grooms, trainers, exercise riders and vets get to the track to begin training for the day. Feed tubs and water buckets being cleaned, horses being once-overed to make sure they didn’t get hurt overnight or become sick. Trainers making morning charts, certain horses go at certain times with certain riders. The hustle of the groom having their first horse cleaned with appropriate tack ready for the first set and then that magical walk to the track to train.

Horses and riders coming out of all different barns donning the barn’s colours as the trainer walks right beside to make sure the training goes to-plan and looks for any lameness or imperfections. As they finish training the love, affection, and attention is not done; the sweaty, tired athlete gets a refreshing, hot, soapy sponge bath and continued to be cooled out by their own personal hot walker then put to the lawn for a healthy snack before being put up in the stall. Ice boots, ice tubs, liniments, bandages, rub rags, brushes, hair detangler(conditioner) and even hoof polish is used in order to keep these horses happy, healthy and strong. Along with a meal plan beyond your belief, including the likes of garlic, salt, flax seed among many other of each individual trainer’s secret ingredients.

Yes, this is it; this is the blood, sweat, love, headaches and tears that go into training these world class athletes that the gamblers, the general public, doesn’t get to see. You think your $2 or $100 bet makes you happy when you see your horse in the winner’s circle, but you better believe the gambler is not the only ones screaming and cheering for that victory.

…and that is the last word.

The Nightmare on Bay St.: The State of the Toronto Raptors

Posted on February 3, 2012November 4, 2021 by Skip McGee

If it’s possible, it has become even more apparent that Andrea Bargnani is the ONLY bright spot in the Raptors lineup. Unfortunately, like many NBA stars, he is breaking down under the stress of a shortened season. Although an MRI last week revealed no structural damage, the Raptors have no timetable for his return. I’mno doctor but “strained calf muscle” sounds weak to me. Clearly the Primo Pasta star doesn’t have the toughness to play through a strain.

The Raptors suffered another BRUTAL loss at the hands of the Celtics, falling to seven and 16 on the season. Like many of you, I can’t bear to watch anymore. I mean,Toronto has been brutal in the past, but this year’s team is achieving a new low – for me it’s the tipping point. I’d rather watch a Mike Holmes marathon than waste my evening watching another abysmal performance.

With Facebook announcing an IPO this week I heard mention of people encouraging members to deactivate their account to impact the stock value. It would be equally great if Raptor fans would stop showing up to games, or at least, if the entire lower bowl stayed in the concourse for the opening quarter. Even better, what about a flash mob or a walk out?

No offence to the players who are putting forth effort, but management needs to recognize this isn’t acceptable and drastic times call for drastic measures. After all, Colangelo is making a solid salary in Toronto and he gets paid to make the tough decisions – MAKE THEM! There was hope when we landed Bryan Colangelo but anyone who has been following the Raptors has to note that virtually all his trades and acquisitions have not improved the roster. The Raptors are on their third coach in six seasons!

In the 16-year history of the Toronto Raptors there hasn’t been much to cheer about. Year after year, this team is always playing for the future. Five times in the past 16 YEARS the Raptors have finished with a record above .500 – unacceptable. Eleven top 10 draft picks in 16 years and still no sign of the ship sailing in the right direction?

The person I feel for the most is Raptors Radio Analyst, Eric Smith. I bet at one point traveling and reporting on the Raps must have felt like a dream, but surely it’s turned into groundhog day. The bright spot is certainly enjoying the other teams and I wouldn’t blame him if he showed up with a Heat jersey on!

…and that is the last word. FOR NOW.

UFC 143 Preview: The Paper Champion

Posted on February 3, 2012November 5, 2021 by Mark Modeski

This weekend history is going to take place. Something you haven’t seen since April of 2008 will occur – the UFC Welterweight title will change hands! The UFC would have you believe that this is a crucial apex in the history of the sport that you cannot afford to miss – but, is this really the case? At the end of the day, whoever wins the “interim” Welterweight title, whether it be Carlos Condit or Nick Diaz, cannot hope to be any more than a paper champion.

The UFC has been trying it’s best to market this Welterweight bout as the biggest event we’ve seen in years, and potentially rightfully so. The division has become a little bit stale over the years with the complete and utter dominance that has been demonstrated by GSP. There is little excitement when watching a championship bout in the division, as the result has already been pre-ordained: GSP will win – and legitimately so.

The question now becomes, do either Carols Condit or Nick Diaz stand a chance of beating St. Pierre upon his return? Let’s look at each fighter and what they’ve accomplished:

Before his recent return to the UFC Nick Diaz ran through the elite in the Welterweight division of a number of promotions. Paul Daley, KJ Noons, Cyborg Santos, Scott Smith are just a few who fell to the well rounded game of Diaz. Unfortunately, these fighters when thrown into the UFC mix are B-level at best. Nick Diaz has yet to face an elite A-Level fighter in recent memory and win convincingly; his win against an under-trained and gassed out BJ Penn was lakclustre at best (and can BJ really be considered A-Level at WW?).

Carlos Condit has had what would seem like a long road to this point. He himself has fought a number of challenging competitors on his way to the top: Jake Ellenberger, Rory MacDonald, Dan Hardy and most recently Dong Hyun Kim. Are the A-Level fighters? I think you could make the argument that Ellenberger and MacDonald are on the cusp of being considered so.

Based on these two resumes who has the best chance of beating GSP? My personal opinion is that neither fighter stands much of a chance, but I do give the edge to Condit. I think Condit is a smarter fighter. He has trained with GSP, and has one punch knockout power. Diaz has KO power as well, and a good ground game, but I think he loses out to Condit in the strength department – which will be a key asset when facing the true champion of the division.

Whoever does win, I can gaurentee that this Saturday will be an exciting fight. While in MMA anything can happen at any time, one of the few gaurentees is that a healthy GSP will dispatch of either of these fighters with ease. So, to whoever does win: enjoy your time on your paper pedastal, with your paper belt… to prove yourself the “champion” you must beat the title holder.