UFC 143: Diaz V Condit Official Thread Discussion

JJayoo

Don't rate the boxing of the Diaz brothers. They are very flat footed, no movement and rely on their ability to take punishment and keep throwing punches.

I think if Nick uses this approach with Condit he will get his head taken off.

dave1982

scary how good he would be against a regular Joe

MrStuffins

JJayoo wrote: »

Don't rate the boxing of the Diaz brothers. They are very flat footed, no movement and rely on their ability to take punishment and keep throwing punches.

I think if Nick uses this approach with Condit he will get his head taken off.

Perhaps not if they were competing in Boxing, but both brothers have been very VERY effective with their boxing in MMA competition.

JJayoo

I can just see a lot of fighters in the welterweight division that could beat him. I do like his style/heart and think he could make some very interesting matches. For some reason I would like to see him fight Thiago Alves. Plus I'm not sure how much longer Nick's face will hold out, takes alot of punishment.

Ian Whelan

dave1982 wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8RjeykTmzE

This is cool.

Professey Chin

Hes only on the FB Prelims but its someone Im looking forward to seeing how he does

After 62 Straight Kickboxing and MMA Wins, Stephen Thompson Makes UFC Debut

The numbers are something out of a video game or a movie or someone's imagination. In amateur kickboxing, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson was 37-0. As a pro kickboxer, 20-0. As a professional mixed martial artist, he's 5-0 so far. That's 62 straight fights without a loss.

But it's no facade, and his record is no product of fishy matchmaking. In fact, despite his newness on the MMA scene, he's already wowed some of this sports' brightest minds. Georges St-Pierre's trainer Firas Zahabi recently called Thompson "definitely the best karate guy, the best striker I've ever seen, all around in any sport."

The welterweight brings his exceptional record to this weekend's UFC 143, where he faces fellow octagon rookie Daniel Stittgen, hoping to extend his ridiculous streak.

The remarkable run is the result of a lifetime spent in the martial arts. Ask him about the last time he lost a fight in competition and he has to scan his memory, traveling more than a decade back into the 1990s, when he was a 12-year-old on the karate tournament circuit.

"Honestly, I did hundreds and hundreds of them, and I probably lost every one of them," he said. "I maybe won one time. I would get my butt tore up. I remember that like it was yesterday. So I learned as a young kid to keep my chin up and keep training hard. I know what losing feels like and I don't want to do it again. That's what pushes me now."

His experiences as a youth didn't just supply the drive for his current success, they also provided his "Wonderboy" moniker. Given his resume, you might guess that it stems from his remarkable success as a fighter, but you would be wrong. Instead, he got pegged with the name back in elementary school, when he was known for singing and dancing, and got tagged by his sister's boyfriend as "Stevie Wonder," later altered to "Wonderboy."

Regardless of the origins, the label proved prophetic. As Thompson's record suggests, he's been a phenom on the combat sports scene for years.

Now 28 years old, Thompson aims to prove he is much more than a standup artist. He has a black belt in Japanese jiu-jitsu, trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu under his brother-in-law, eighth-degree black belt Carlos Machado, and says his wrestling is his second strongest skill behind his striking.

"I've had many fights, but this is the biggest stage I've ever fought in," he said. "The UFC is the best. They're it. I'm glad to have the privilege to come in and fight there. Nerves will play a big part, but if you're not nervous going into a fight, you shouldn't be out there."

Thompson started in the martial arts at three years old, training under his father, Ray, who owns a karate studio in Simpsonville, South Carolina. But it wasn't always a love affair. By around the age of 10 or 11, the flame had burned out. While his friends were playing baseball and football, Thompson found himself constantly stuck at the dojo.

He trained there. He ate there. He did his homework there.

"As I got to that age, doing it all the time was like work," he said. "It wasn't fun anymore. But one day, the light bulb clicked in my head, and I got it."

Thompson was around 12 at that time, working out in adult classes. By the time he was 15, he was making his amateur debut, inspired in part by his older sister Lindsay, who he often watched compete and aimed to emulate.

He did her proud, defeating an unbeaten 26-year-old en route to 37 straight victories. His biggest personal highlight came in 2005, when he captured a World Association of Kickboxing Organizations championship at a tournament held in Szeged, Hungary, becoming the first American to win a gold in the tournament since 1983.

But even as Thompson succeeded -- 46 of his 57 career wins were by KO -- he was hit by the nagging feeling that kickboxing wasn't really going anywhere. Coupled with his own personal aspirations, he knew a move to MMA was in his future.

"My goal was always to be the best fighter, and in order to do that, I was going to have to switch to MMA and use these skills that I've been working on ever since I was younger but never got to use in competition," he said.

Thompson's move was delayed by a devastating knee injury in 2007 that saw him tear the ACL, MCL and PCL in his left knee. Later on, he suffered another setback, hurting the same knee after trying to do too much, too soon.

Upon returning, Thompson began training with some of the world's best MMA minds, including St-Pierre. Years prior, GSP had been in the corner of a Thompson opponent, only to watch "Wonderboy" KO his friend. The camps stayed in contact and GSP has since called on Thompson several times to assist in his camp.

"It does give you a lot of confidence going into fights," he said. "When you're up there and going toe-to-toe with the world's best -- and I know I still have a long way to get to where he is when it comes to wrestling and jiu-jitsu -- but it definitely gives me a mental advantage going into fights."

In his octagon debut, he faces Stittgen (7-1), another UFC newcomer who has earned five of his wins by submission. Thompson said that he expects his opponents to want no part of his standup and look to take the fight to the mat at the first available opportunity. But he trusts his wrestling to keep him upright, saying that it's always been a point of emphasis in training as a way to keep himself in an advantageous position.

And more than that, he trust his fight instincts. Thompson's record doesn't just suggest he is a winner, it proves it beyond any doubt. The streak may be in jeopardy every time he fights, but like most winners, "Wonderboy" doesn't spend much time thinking about what he has already done. Every fight is a new experience, providing a new lesson.

"People always ask me what will happen if I lose, and I never really thought about it until they asked me," he said. "If I do lose, it will just give me a stronger drive to train harder. I know guys are out here to rip my head off and trip me up. But coming from my background almost gives me an advantage because I know guys are going to want to take me down. Everyone out there can look for an exciting fight, and it's going to be another knockout."

http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/01/31/after-62-straight-kickboxing-and-mma-wins-stephen-thompson-make/

O.P.H

Class! Haven't looked forward to a UFC weekend this much in ages

Xlami

I truly believed for the past 3 years that Semtex was the best WW striker in all of MMA, when Diaz knocked him out my respect for him soared. I still think he's never beaten a great wrestler, however I don't see Conduit as the man to do that and I predict a Diaz KO.

notyalc666

I don't like Diaz as a person (granted I have never met him) but he is a hell of a fighter. I will be backing Condit in this one tho.

Roar

I like Diaz, like him a lot more after the Primetime shows - seems a decent, hardworking guy, incredibly focused but very shy, nervous around new people.. I thought the interview with his teacher was very revealing. And that segment where he opened up and started talking about school was very emotional I thought.

looking forward to seeing this fight.

MrStuffins

UFC have a free e-version of the UFC 143 event program up on their website.

http://www.ufc.com/program

Richard tea

Any times and stations of this event?

MrStuffins

Richard tea wrote: »

Any times and stations of this event?

ESPN, 3am, Saturday night (sunday morning).

liger

notyalc666 wrote: »

I don't like Diaz as a person (granted I have never met him) but he is a hell of a fighter. I will be backing Condit in this one tho.

Its funny at times how the media can make a guy look like a total Jerk and then when you get to see a live interview or something thats more transparent than the build up shows you get a complete other view.

Example. Frank Mir on TUF was built up to be a big time stupid jerk with a chip and not much smarts. Big nog was the babyface in the show hugging everyone and smiling. But after the show on some interview with Mir I couldnt believe it was the same person. and he admitted that had he know the UFC would show him in such a bad way he'd have never have done TUF. And big Nog didn't smile once when i met him in person!!!!

Yes Diaz comes across as someone who might not be everyone's cuppa tea but i am sure the ufc are happy with the drawing power he has. Some of the people love to watch cause they want him to win, the rest watch to see him get a beating, everyone watches because they know it wont be boring!!! Either way, UFC wins. And hopefully Diaz.

MrStuffins

I feel really sorry for Diaz. Yeah, he might come across as the brash sh*thead but when you see him being interviewed he REALLY doesn't wanna be in the public eye.

Has anyone seen his latest interview with Ariel Helwani? I felt really bad for the guy. He couldn't look Ariel in the eye, a lot of the time he didn't know what to be saying and there were times when his mind was elsewhere and he had to ask Ariel to repeat the questions as he wasn't with it.

liger

And UFC 143 will have NO Gladiator:



"The UFC will debut a new 60-second opening for its pay-per-view events at this weekend's "UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit" show in Las Vegas. It'll replace the one that's been in use for nearly a decade."
Source MMAJunkie.com

Shazbot

MrStuffins wrote: »

I feel really sorry for Diaz. Yeah, he might come across as the brash sh*thead but when you see him being interviewed he REALLY doesn't wanna be in the public eye.

Has anyone seen his latest interview with Ariel Helwani? I felt really bad for the guy. He couldn't look Ariel in the eye, a lot of the time he didn't know what to be saying and there were times when his mind was elsewhere and he had to ask Ariel to repeat the questions as he wasn't with it.

He's like that in all interviews. Nate has a similar, but not as bad, demeanor during interviews. Nick tends to shuffle and star at the ground while talking in circles. I'd say he just hates social situations with people he doesn't know.

It's good to see him come out of his shell when people ask him the right questions. He does get excited answering some questions but he clearly doesn't like the intrusion of the media.

I'd back Diaz by TKO or submission in the 4th or 5th round. I'd love to see him fight GSP. No matter who wins this they will be waiting until September or October for GSP. I wonder would they take another fight or wait for GSP.

Zero-Cool

Not sure which UFC 143 thread to post in but saw this was made first. Maybe a mod could merger?

As far as interviews go, here is a funny one of Mayhem interviewing him back in Strikeforce. It's a good thing Miller will never get his longed for fight with Diaz as Diaz would destroy him at this stage. Slightly off topic, anyone know whats going on with Mayhem these days?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSAQK6y_EXw

rain on

liger wrote: »

And UFC 143 will have NO Gladiator:



"The UFC will debut a new 60-second opening for its pay-per-view events at this weekend's "UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit" show in Las Vegas. It'll replace the one that's been in use for nearly a decade."
Source MMAJunkie.com

Ah noooooo! I love the gladiator and the cheesy music, gets me really excited every time

El Guapo!

I have to be honest. I never liked Diaz. Of course there was no denying his talent but I thought the same as everybody else....that he was basically a bully who was unprofessional and didn't give a fúck about anybody but himself.
But in the past while I'm starting to see another side to him and it seems he really is just mis-understood. The Primetime videos really opened my eyes to what he's really like and I'm actually starting to like him.

Having said that, this is a really tough fight to call. I always liked Condit. I think he seems to be a down to earth guy and a top fighter. Diaz has that incredible cardio and he could to 15 rounds tomorrow if he needed to.

I can see this fight going one of 2 ways. - Either Diaz wins by decision, or Condit wins by KO. Both guys have incredible Jiu-Jitsu so I think they'll cancel each other out on the ground and both of them will probably want to keep it on the feet.
Either way I'd say it's gonna be a cracking fight and I'm really looking forward to it.

I think I'll put my money on a Condit KO tomorrow but I'll be happy whoever wins.

theteal

weigh-ins are on in about 50mins. might see some tomfoolery from diaz

i'm on the lash fairly early tomorrow in london, i don't know if i'll be watching the event live

El Guapo!

theteal wrote: »

weigh-ins are on in about 50mins. might see some tomfoolery from diaz

i'm on the lash fairly early tomorrow in london, i don't know if i'll be watching the event live

I don't think there'll be anything from him at the weigh-ins this time. He respects Condit a lot and he stuck up for him at the press conference and even shook his hand at it too.

LINK

Feb 2, 2012 - One thing can be certain after Thursday afternoon's UFC 143 press conference: Nick Diaz has a great deal of respect for Carlos Condit. Breaking custom, he even shook Condit's hand after the two posed for photographers at the conclusion of the event, held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. It was a noticeable change for Diaz, who has flipped off, shoved and otherwise attempted to menace several prospective opponents in the days before a fight.

But this Diaz was different: quiet, mellow and reserved. There were no outbursts or complaints about respect. There were no scathing criticisms of anything surrounding the sport. In fact, he saved his only prolonged oration to defend his opponent.

Yes, Diaz came to the side of Condit, after being asked about Georges St-Pierre overshadowing Condit in the lead-up to UFC 143.
"Yeah, I think it makes me sick," he said. "This is Carlos’ time to be here, and to be a part of this main event. This is ... half of the show is built up around me fighting Georges St-Pierre. But that's not

. I’m fighting Carlos Condit. So, I don't like it."

As Diaz observed, St-Pierre has been noticeably visible during event week, even holding court with reporters on Wednesday to offer a status update on his injured knee. Of course, he also spoke about the UFC 143 main event, saying that he "hopes and prays" Diaz wins, so that he eventually gets to fight him.

Because of that, along with the contrasting archetypes the two represent, Condit has been something of an odd-man out, even though he has the chance to play spoiler to the story line and capture the interim welterweight title in the process.

Diaz reiterated his belief that Condit is actually a more dangerous foe than St-Pierre is, meaning that quite literally. As in, Condit is much more likely to do physical harm in an octagon than St-Pierre is.

"You’re more in danger of losing a decision to Georges St-Pierre," he said. "I think you’re more in danger of losing your teeth if you're fighting Condit here."

Aside from those two telling answers, Diaz seemed a bit unengaged in the proceedings, asking reporters to repeat questions on at least two occasions. Contrary to his normal, digressive speaking style, he was short and concise, rarely offering more than a one-sentence response.

Of course, that's not that unusual for fighters who are making their final weight cut, but Diaz is facing a whole new level of scrutiny as he's ascended up the welterweight rankings and become seen as a real threat to St-Pierre.

All of that buildup will essentially be wasted if Condit pulls the mild upset (Diaz is about a 2-to-1 favorite). Condit has won 12 of his last 13 fights, so the suggestion that the fight is a gimme for Diaz is a ridiculous assertion.

Condit himself admitted that at times, it's felt that the St-Pierre vs. Diaz fight is being planned "before this one even happens," but likes his chances of playing spoiler. Regardless, he suggested that while fans may be clamoring for St-Pierre vs. Diaz, they may be missing a gem right under their noses.

"I expect a war," he said. "Honestly, Nick is probably the toughest dude I've ever fought. He's well-rounded, he has a pretty dynamic skill set. He's pretty similar to me. We both come to fight. No matter who wins, fans are going to win because it’s going to be a phenomenal fight."

Deus Ex Machina

sheehy83 wrote: »

Slightly off topic, anyone know whats going on with Mayhem these days?

He's been cut from the UFC and he's now becoming a full time contributor to the Joe Rogan experience podcast.

MrStuffins

Deus Ex Machina wrote: »

He's been cut from the UFC and he's now becoming a full time contributor to the Joe Rogan experience podcast.

Source?

I don't think he's been cut. and he's still up on the UFC website in their fighters section?

Indie.

The final prime time installment

Jimmy Bottlehead

Not that it needed any more hype, but that last PrimeTime was an excellent way to cap it all off. I've really enjoyed the shows leading up to this PPV.

Professey Chin

MrStuffins wrote: »

Source?

I don't think he's been cut. and he's still up on the UFC website in their fighters section?

He hasnt. Been in Holland a lot working on his striking and conditioning.

Zero-Cool

Mayhem did an interview with Middleeasy. Apparently the beef with Diaz is squashed and he is training hard to make up for his last fight.

Back on topic, looks like it's gonna be hard to get a stream of this event tonight. Bad news for for a lot of people, good news for the Boards lawyers

http://middleeasy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7079:it-just-became-infinitely-harder-to-illegally-stream-ufc-pay-per-views&catid=34:organizations

loremolis

sheehy83 wrote: »

Mayhem did an interview with Middleeasy. Apparently the beef with Diaz is squashed and he is training hard to make up for his last fight.

Back on topic, looks like it's gonna be hard to get a stream of this event tonight. Bad news for for a lot of people, good news for the Boards lawyers

http://middleeasy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7079:it-just-became-infinitely-harder-to-illegally-stream-ufc-pay-per-views&catid=34:organizations

It's on ESPN which is freeview this weekend. That should make it easy for most.

rabbitinlights

Can anyone give me a breakdown of what times the prelims are on facebook & UFC.TV before ESPN?

Thanks,

S.