Nick Diaz Interview

July 29 2010

FWW: Nick, first off congratulations on your recent first round submission win over Hayato Sakurai at DREAM 14.

Nick Diaz: Thank you.
FWW: Let’s get right into it. You have won your last 7 fights, all of them impressive performances coming by way of TKO or submissions. You have fought at welter weight and you have gone up to fight at a catch weight. You have, for the most part, cleaned out everyone in your weight class in the organizations where you have fought since leaving the UFC. We wanted to talk today about a potential match with the current UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre (GSP), a fight many of the hard core fight fans want to see. Putting aside for the moment the fact that you both fight in different organizations, we put together four questions about this hypothetical bout:

1. FWW: GSP, in his recent win over Dan Hardy has been criticized for the strategy he frequently and successfully employs which is primarily to use his wrestling and athleticism to control his opponent. There are some that feel it is a boring style and that he doesn’t always finish fights. His argument is that while he is also in the entertainment business, his first objective is to win fights and take the least amount of damage as possible. While you may have an underrated wrestling skill set, there is no question this is perhaps George’s strongest skill set. How do you feel you would be able to deal with this aspect of his game?

Diaz: If it went to the ground I would tap him out…if it stayed standing I would knock him out.

2. FWW: Along these same lines, your boxing looks better and better every time you fight. You also train with professional boxers such as the current WBA Super Middleweight Champion Andre Ward. What are your thoughts on GSP’s stand up and would he be able to deal with you striking?

Nick Diaz: He is athletic, stronger faster but the bottom line is ….technically.. I’m better.

3. FWW: If you had your choice for the format of the fight, would you prefer to fight him in a ring or a cage and why?

Nick Diaz: I would prefer to fight him in a ring but I’d fight him in a backyard if I had to.

4. FWW: You have said you favor the yellow card rules that some organizations have where they issue warnings for fighters who appear to be stalling or what is oftentimes referred to as laying and praying. The rule also allows for the organization in some cases to take some of a fighter’s purse money. There is another school of thought that is opposed to this kind of rule. They contend it is part of the fight. If you are unable to get out from under the control of your opponent that is your problem. What would your response be that argument?

Nick Diaz: That’s great but it’s not fighting, it’s a hug contest. They pay us to fight…if we are not fighting they should’t pay us.


FWW: Congratulations is also in order as you recently competed in the Xterra Tahoe city race on June 26th and placed 30th overall and 6th in your age group. Events like this no doubt require stamina and excellent cardio but share with us if you would, what are some of the things you do with respect to strength and conditioning?

ND: Lots of training for fighting. I lift a little weights but the best way to train for a fight is to fight.

FWW: Nick, there has been a lot of talk about the recent video clips on the internet with Jason Miller and you talking smack to each other. Some people have commented on your last video shot in your car and feel you do not want to fight him.

Nick Diaz: No, that is not what I said. What I said was ..he is saying he wants to fight me. ..he is challenging me…calling me out... if that's the case, he should come down to my weight, you know. He is the one talking (expletive). The other aspect of this is that I said I only want to fight people that are important…he is not important so why would I waste my time with him, you know what I’m saying?

FWW: Lastly Nick, is there anything else you would like to add in general or specifically about GSP or any other people you would like to fight regardless of obstacles such as different leagues.

Nick Diaz: In boxing the best fighters fight the best fighters regardless of who they fight for..regardless of what organization they fight for. MAA should be no different.

FWW: Nick, thank you again for your time and we look forward to seeing you fight again.

Nick Diaz: Thank you