Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights
Posted on January 27, 2011, 11:31 PM by Joey SantosusAll eight fighters on Saturday's Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg main-card gathered at the HP Pavillion in San Jose today for the pre-fight press conference. The stacked card will be headlined by a Welterweight clash between division Champion Nick Diaz and challenger Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos, while the co-main event will feature Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza defending his Middleweight title against heavy-hitter Robbie Lawler. NFL veteran Herschel Walker makes his return against Scott Carson and Trevor Prangley meets undefeated Roger Gracie in a Light Heavyweight showdown.
Below are highlights from today's Press Conference:
Nick Diaz
"I think "Cyborg" is a great fighter. He's better than the other guys they had in line. I think maybe he should have been fighting at 170 pounds a long time ago. He would have beat some name fighters and we would have seen some more of him. He was in there fighting with heavier guys who were throwing him down. They were a little bit too big for him. The way I see it, I'm too big for him, and then these guys were really too big for him and they threw him down. Otherwise, he'd be just as popular as anybody out here."
“I feel good and I’m ready to fight. Cyborg has a unique style and I know that he will give it his all and be as crazy as ever. But that’s good because I’m crazy, too."
Evangelista Santos
“After 15 years of training and sacrificing, my dream is finally almost here. I am very excited at the chance to make my mark. I can promise you I will do my best to pull out the win. Nick Diaz is a very gallant fighter but I will press the action whether we are standing or on the ground. I am not worried about those who underestimate me in this fight. I am pre-occupied with winning."
“The belt always equals a build-up to your career, but first you have to win it. I feel strong and very comfortable at 170 and looking forward to a great fight against Nick Diaz.’’
Ronaldo Souza
“This is going to be a tough fight, and a very dangerous one. Robbie Lawler is very heavy-handed and I know to win I am going to have to play my game, which is to take him down and try and finish the fight. Some were surprised that I stood last time but Lawler is a different kind of fighter than I had in my last one. If I have to stand, I will, of course, but I know it is important that I keep control. I don’t feel either of us think that we can afford to make a mistake.’’
Robbie Lawler
“I’m not looking ahead to anybody. I’m only looking ahead to Saturday’s fight. I work on all my skills all the time. Guys are so good at this level. Make a mistake and it will cost you.’’
Props: MMAFighting.com | Photo: Strikeforce.com
Comments
Strikeforce looks more proffesional than the UFC IMO. I got Cyborg by tko/ko. I have a feeling there will be a flash KO for some reason.
Cyborg is a joke... Nick Diaz will be to much for him..... Just another victim for Nick Diaz list......
if they were more professional than the ufc then it wouldn't have taken them 3 years to get their heavyweights to fight each other and mayhem miller would not have been allowed in the cage after the shields vs hendo fight.
Ranallo looks like he's losing weight. I hope he doesn't have any habits...
what habits to make him lose weight?like doing your dad from behind and getting man flu? only joking slug, dont get hating on me.
Like the gym?
I think he means cocaine...news flash! many in entertainment get caught up in drugs.just sayin....
should be a good fight....Im goin wth Diaz in this one.
Its "SHOWTIME!!!!"
It's refreshing to see Diaz acting like a respectful man rather than a punk kid. I have always been a huge fan of his skills and work ethic. Not many could do Triathalons let alone fight at that level.. The only other time he has shown real respect was right after the Shamrock fight. Part of the business and the respect associated with Martial arts as a whole was lost on him for a long time. You can still be a bad azz without belittling your opponent and in reality yourself by doing so. The maturity is a bit late but surely welcomed. War Diaz