For UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, there is no denying that he is the best welterweight fighter in the world. In his most recent outing, St. Pierre defeated Jake Shields by unanimous decision, though the win at first glance could be very deceiving.
Having long been criticized for his lack of finishes or rather his inability, GSP faced arguably his toughest challenge to date when he met with the former Strikeforce middleweight champion. After five-rounds of “some” action, St. Pierre walked away the winner, but not without having drawn the ire of the fans and media alike.
Since his last outing at UFC 129 this past April, many have called for a “super fight” pitting GSP against the Strikeforce welterweight champion and UFC veteran Nick Diaz, and while there are some roadblocks and even an impending boxing match with Jeff Lacy, Diaz would be willing to put all that aside if it means a match with St. Pierre.
Under the Strikeforce banner, arguably, there has not been a more dominating or more imposing figure inside the cage than Diaz. The Stockton native and Cesar Gracie black belt has gone undefeated within the promotion, holding a perfect 6-0 mark, and has impressed everyone in each outing. In his last performance, Diaz added former UFC contender Paul Daley to his most recent list of victimes, knocking out the “knockout artist” inside of the first-round. With the win, Diaz has now successfully defended his welterweight title three consecutive times.
As per his contract with Strikeforce and Showtime, Diaz is afforded one boxing match to take place within the fiscal year. Initially, Nick was rumored to be facing former boxing world champion Fernando Vargas, however after alleged medical issues, the fight was scrapped.
Now, manager and head coach Cesar Gracie has recently issued a press-release stating that Diaz will be taking on Jeff Lacy, a former IBF super middleweight champion, in an impending boxing match.
Following UFC 129, UFC President Dana White spoke of his intentions to fly down to Stockton, California in order to speak with Diaz one-on-one about his future and what he hopes to accomplish. White has stated on several occasions that he would much rather have Diaz stay in the mixed martial arts game, as Nick could be used as a name in order to lend respectability to the boxing world by beating a mixed martial arts world champion.
While Nick’s striking skills have been unrivaled inside the cage, a bout in the ring could be a whole different story, and that’s something that White would have Diaz avoid altogether. Dana now has invested interest in Diaz since Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, has recently acquired Strikeforce.
Cesar Gracie says that Diaz’ bout with Lacy is all but a done deal, and the only thing that will deter the inevitable bout would be a meeting with the reigning UFC champ in Georges St. Pierre.
“Barring something like (UFC president) Dana White telling us, ‘Hey, we really need you to fight GSP at such-and-such a date and it conflicts with [boxing] – barring that, we’re going to fight Lacy,” said Gracie in an interview with MMAJunkie.com.
So what do you think MMA peeps–should Diaz attempt to avenge his teammate and best friend Jake Shields’ defeat to GSP, or should he take on Jeff Lacy? It remains to be seen where Nick will garner the most amount of money, some may argue boxing but who’s to say. Do you warrant Diaz with the opportunity of defeating either GSP or Lacy in respective matches? Sound off in the comment section below.
Nick Diaz Will Fight Next As A Professional Boxer… And I Don’t Blame Him
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AMEN!!! He’s gonna have to bring alot more than his best game if he wants to beat Diaz! GSP’s gonna have to bring a bat, a lunch and someone to help pick him up off the mat when he loses that belt on OCT. 29th!!!.@jason
Diaz is probably in my top ten favorite fighters to watch. I definitely can’t say the same about GSP. I would rather watch Diaz, but GSP is a master of pushing a fight to five rounds and managing what goes on in the cage. GSP knows how not to lose and that is all people remember in the end.
um yea this is maybe the #1 fight i would want to happen..or bones jones against silva..
@tesstexas
Diaz may be a trash talking punk, but if you’re a real fight fan, you know that he aint no chump. If GSP fights as conservative against him as he has to date, he will get jacked up. GSP will have to bring his game if he wants to beat Nick Diaz.
@Bobbyd
I agree, however some would argue that the way Diaz has been finishing opponents proves that he is of the level of the elite fighters in his class. He’s widely regarded as a top-5 welterweight, and if GSP is so wishy-washy with moving up in weight to face Anderson Silva, why not take on Nick Diaz? Who else is there for GSP in the UFC to make a notable fight with? Waiting…waiting…exactly–there’s nobody that stands out. There are a few budding contenders, but nobody that has the kind of experience and exciting fighting style that of Diaz.
@tesstexas
Make Rory take a drug test between fights…
I would love to see Nick Diaz vs GSP but I must say I would be disappointed if all GSP does is take him down and ground and pound. I understand that is an intricate part of the sport but I would love nothing more than two see theses two guys trade on their feet.
Nick Diaz has not fought a top p4p guy,that is all gsp fights Gsp all the way
I love the way anti gsp people always say this guy will do that this guy will this to the greatest welterweight of all time. Nick Diaz please not a chance in he’ll of beating Gsp
Hell yea gsp vs diaz!!! Diaz is one of the most under rated fighters at welterweight, if not MMA. Diaz would pose serious serious problems for GSP – sick ground game, great striking and an iron chin….thats the man im picking to take out GSP. Rory mcdonald hasnt done anything to make him deserving of a title shot yet…he’s good, no doubt but his toughest test to date is carlos condit….GSP would crush him….And any fighter that tests positive for weed after kicking the shit out of what was considerd to be the best lightweight in the world should get a bonus!!!!
This is a much better fight for GSP than anderson silva, a guy who cant finish fights vs a bigger guy who can put ur shi t out anytime he wants never works out very well for the former.
Sign on the dotted line gentlemen!
GSP v Diaz all day!!! Who the he!! can he face anyways seriously. Forget all this Anderson cr@p because everyone knows GSP will get worked. With Diaz at least he has a fighting chance, plus Diaz is a trash talker that will really get in GSP’s head. Not like Koscheck
@tesstexas
It’s a great record considering who he’s beaten–overall, Diaz is 10-0 in his last ten bouts, if that’s more impressive for you, whereas Rory is only 1-1 in his last two bouts–so what’s really more of an impressive record for you?
He has passed all of his drug tests since he’s been in Strikeforce, so I don’t know why him entering the UFC would be any different as far as drug tests go–he’s an avid user of Marijuana, theres no mistaking that.
Rory will prove a difficult task for anyone–except for GSP. MacDonald is still behind in his young career, and is teammates with the Canadian icon, so the likelihood of them fighting is slim to none.
@Sean
I definitely wouldn’t hate seeing that fight.
Georges will beat him too! Come on 6-0? Why is that such a great record? Give GSP some real competition like Rory Macdonald. Keep the scum Diaz bros out of UFC. Nick is nothing but trash. Make him pass a dope test prior to the fight.
GSP vs Diaz. I’ll pay to watch that…