The future has never looked brighter for current Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz, but just what does that future hold? Diaz most recently won his headlining bout at Strikeforce’s “Diaz vs. Noons 2” event, which saw him defeat arch-rival KJ Noons and even out the score after Noons famously defeated him three years ago to win the now-defunct EliteXC Lightweight Championship via a controversial doctor stoppage due to a cut. In a new post-fight interview, the always-controversial Diaz talked about what he sees himself doing in the immediate as well as the not-so-immediate future.
Here are the highlights of an interview posted on the YouTube channel of FIGHT! Magazine: “I want to get on to fighting some more important people… I want to fight the best in the world. If you don’t think I’m the best in the world, then bring me the best in the world. I want to fight Georges St. Pierre. I think he’s the best… If you don’t think I’m the best, then let me fight this guy… I would like to fight at 155-pounds… I can make that weight. 185? I’ll fight at that weight. I just want to be paid for it. I want someone to offer me the fight…I can do it all, I’d just like to get paid for it… How do these guys expect to beat me? Who’s out there?”
I think big, big things are in store for Nick Diaz. First and foremost, I absolutely believe that Diaz is crazy enough to seriously go after winning gold in three weight divisions. They simply don’t make fighters much more competitive than Nick Diaz. His victory over Noons unquestionably makes him one of Strikeforce’s best assets, and look to see him headline many more cards going into the future.
As far as his immediate plans go, I think Diaz will stick to Welterweight and bounce up to Middleweight once every few fights. I don’t see Diaz dropping back down to Lightweight in Strikeforce, at least until his teammate and close friend Gilbert Melendez is defeated and a new Strikeforce Lightweight Champion is crowned. If Diaz can put on the right amount of weight, he may have it in him to win the Strikeforce Middleweight Championship. We may be looking at a two-division champion before 2011 is through, it would by no means be the craziest thing to have happened in recent history. It does seem a bit unlikely, even with Diaz’s skills, but by no means is it outside the realm of possibility.
Unfortunately, a fight with GSP is definitely outside the realm of possibility until Diaz jumps ship and re-joins the UFC. The UFC is done co-promoting, now that they’re the unequivocal leader in Mixed Martial Arts they have no reason to. But if it does ever happen, you heard it here first: I think Nick Diaz may be the one to beat Georges St. Pierre. Diaz’s striking is better, and GSP’s vaunted takedowns will put Diaz exactly where he wants to be: on the ground and on his back, working for submissions. It seems like a far-off fantasy that anyone will beat GSP nowadays, but if this fight ever materialized I’d be pulling for Nick with every ounce I had to give.
But no matter what happens, Nick Diaz can look forward to some big things in 2011. His stock in Strikeforce continues to rise, and the quality of his opponents will benefit from that immeasurably. Putting it plainly: Nick Diaz has arrived, once and for all.
And what do you think, fans and friends? What does the future hold for Nick Diaz, and how do you feel about his chances at 155, 185, and against GSP?
Strikeforce’s Nick Diaz Whips Marius Zaromskis, Calls Out UFC Champ Georges St. Pierre. Whoa…
Georges St-Pierre Reacts To Nick Diaz And Talks About His Future (VIDEO)
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All Hardy has is standup to rely on & GSP knew that going in. But Diaz can do so much more than bang. He showcased all of this during his battle with Noons. His preperation going into that fight was of epic proportion; Noons said that Diaz could not fight going backwards-then we see Diaz taunting him as he nonchalauntly boxes backing up while verbally abusing Noons; alerting him to the fact that he can fight on his heels. Then we witness Diaz fighting out of the orthadox stance the majority of the fight in order to throw Noons off his game’ because after all- he did train to fight a southpaw. Not to even mention that he out boxed the boxer and ate some of the hardest shots I’d ever seen him take during the process.
Personally I think Diaz would “smoke” GSP like he does those left-handed ciggs- with pleasure!!!!!!
And Sanchez, Riggs, Sherk, and even the great Karo Parision may have beat him years ago, but then again-so did KJ about 3 years ago. I say line em up and let Nick show them whats up now. Play with fire and see if you don’t believe me.
GSP all the way. I’m a Diaz fan, but we’ve seen GSP against a boxer (Hardy) and there was no comparison. Sure, I agree that Diaz has some of the best hands in the game, but the fight wouldn’t come down to boxing (except in the case of a lucky punch). The fight would be on the ground. I agree that Diaz has good submission skills and is no slouch on the ground, but neither is GSP. GSP has arguably the best wrestling skills in the Welterweight division and is among the very strongest. It’s always fun to watch the competitive drive of Diaz, but for sheer talent, strength and fighting smarts, one has to go with GSP.
@Lee22
Diaz has already lost to Sanchez, Sherk and Riggs . None of which are a top five fighter in UFC WW division IMHO. Diaz may have a chance against GSP but so did Hardy, Koshcheck, Fitch, Alves ETC. They all had chances but really NIck DIAZ I bet Carlos Condit could beat him up. Even Hardy would take out Diaz in striking. Watch what happens to Shields when he fights KAmpman to show you how weak the Strikeforce field is. Diaz was lucky to get the boot from the UFC. Only way he was going to be a champion. Go start another fight in a hospital you FILTHY animal.
Never count Diaz out. He’d give GSP a run for his money.
Ummmmm im a fan of the diaz bros but im a gsp fan as well and I think gsp would also smash nick like he will smash kos jake shields and fitch again 185 I see him get whoopd he needs to punch harder cuase if he ever fough a.silva he would get ktfo 1st round
I don’t what planet you guys are from thinking that GSP could take Diaz! All he does lately is spoon his opponents for five rounds. He won’t even consider this matchup because the guy can’t even take a solid punch from any decent striker in the UFC.
GSP is certainly much stronger than Diaz, but then again most of Diaz’s opposition ussually are. However, GSP can’t out wind this guy- even on his best day ;not to mention his heart and his will to outwill are as yet unequalled in the cage.
Diaz would systematically break GSP down one level at a time until there was no fight left in him. I don’t think GSP could hang with Nick standing or on the ground! But we will never find out for sure bcause GSP is smart enough not to take it…. Ever!
I think Diaz would suck at 155; he looked sapped at 160 three years ago. He has all the frame to be a solid 185er though.
I don’t think GSP would smash him. I do think Nick is the better striker. His TDD, while markedly improved, is not good enough to keep it standing and nobody’s jits is good enough for a sub if the guy on top isn’t giving anything. GSP probably wins but I would really really like to see Nick get his chance.
I tell ya what though: If Diaz can make 155, Mayhem can make 170. Either cut the weight and vie for his title or start challenging fighters in your own weight class. Miller can’t beat Jacare, but I think Nick could.
Frank: You know as well as any fight fan that styles make fights. GSP would have taken Noons down and completely worked him over. GSP has takedown skills that Diaz just doesn’t possess. I do think one punch from Noons and GSP wants no more of the stand-up. Still, you are right. GSP would wreck Noons.
Diaz stands no chance against GSP, he just isnt physically strong enough. GSP would take him down and beat him up the whole fight. GSP has easily handled submission fighters that are Diaz equal.
Think about this honestly, would Noons have given GSP this tough of a fight? No way, Noons would have been completely dominated by GSP.
While Diaz might be equal or even more skilled than GSP, he simply would be out strengthed.
I think Nick would do really well at 155, not sure about 185. He is still young though and continues to put on weight so 185 could provide some good fights for him. GSP on the other hand would smash him. I like Nick and think hes a great fighter but GSP is just on another level then the rest of the welterweights.