Nick Diaz pulled from UFC 137 Headliner; Carlos Condit steps in to challenge GSP
Posted on September 7, 2011, 04:21 PM by Joey Santosus
After failing to appear for multiple media commitments, Nick Diaz has been removed from his UFC 137 title fight with Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre and will now be replaced by top contender Carlos Condit.
UFC President Dana White broke the news today at the UFC 137 Press Conference, explaining that after booking multiple flights for Diaz, the former Strikeforce champ failed to arrive and has not been in contact with the organization.
"Nick Diaz missed his flight on Tuesday," White explained. "He apologized and I re-booked him a flight to make it to Toronto and he text me saying he couldn't make that flight either. I told him he needed to play the game, I told him he had to promote this fight, he had to show up for press conferences and Nick looked me in my face and lied to me. He said he'd do it. Nick Diaz has lost his opportunity at the Welterweight Championship. Carlos Condit is taking his place. When we called Condit and offered him this fight, he started crying and had to call us back 15 minutes later. I don't know what else to say. It blows my mind."
Condit was initially scheduled to meet BJ Penn in the co-main event, but will now step into the headliner riding the momentum of a four-fight win streak. While White said Penn had not yet been informed of the change, he promised something special was in store to fill the vacated slot.
"I've got to talk to B.J. Penn now too," said White. "He doesn't know about it and he's gonna be one seriously pissed off Hawaiian."
St. Pierre, meanwhile, who will look to make his seventh consecutive title defense on October 29th, said he gave Diaz the benefit of the doubt when he missed his flight to Toronto, but admits to being shocked by today's no-show.
"To tell you the truth, when I went to Toronto and he didn't make it, I didn't judge him right away," St. Pierre stated. "I thought something happened to him. I don't know the guy. Then I talked to some people and I heard what happened and that's really unprofessional... I just learned the news not too long ago, I'm surprised, I'm shocked, I dont' know what else to say.
I have to reorganize my training camp completely. Condit has way more power, way more diversity of attack than Nick Diaz has. I think he's gonna be a way more dangerous opponent than Nick Diaz. I was happy to fight Nick Diaz because he's been saying a lot of things about me. He was champion of an organization and I am champion of the UFC. I do think if Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit would fight, I think Carlos would win. I would put my money on Carlos Condit."
Though White was uncertain regarding Diaz's future with the promotion, he did say that barring a vindicating explanation, the Cesar Gracie trained fighter would likely be released.
Keep it locked to LowKick.com for more information as it becomes available.
For additional highlights from today's UFC 137 Press Conference, visit MMAMania.com
Further Reading: Carlos Condit would rather fight Nick Diaz, but hopes Georges St. Pierre wins
Photo: Carlos Condit at UFC 132 PF Press Conference. Credit: Scott Hirano.
Comments
Play the game. Don't be scared homie
There's no doubt in my mind that GSP is both telling the truth, and is right about condit being way more dangerous that diaz, im sorry but i think diaz was gonna be a breeze for gsp. No way was diaz bjj going to do anything to him on the ground, nor was his stand up.. there's always a chance but not much... condit on the other hand, FINALLY does possess a real challenge for GSP, i think he has the edge in stand up for sure (maybe not speed and timing thats yet to be seen, but power for sure, and most likely all around striking ability over GSP).. and on the ground he's no slouch either, and proved that when there's an opening he GOES FOR IT, so , this should be awesome.. i see condit putting the pressure on gsp for once, and gsp running - wrestling mode.. that, or gsp does what he always does and makes the other guy look like an amateur
Oh wow this might be the first GSP fight since 2007 that i'm excited for, so nice that this would happen instead of a hug-fest waiting to happen with diaz.
If condit can keep it standing, either GSP goes down or he finally has to step it up and show me why i used to be a fan
Carlos + beard = UNSTOPPABLE !!!!
I was so looking forward to seeing Nick Diaz fight Georges Safe-Pierre because he had such a great shot at becoming the WW champ. Unfortunately for some of us, Georges Safe-Pierre can now just LAY on top Condit for 25 minutes if he can get the fight to ground. I am so disappointed.
Carlos Condit is a dangerous stiker with some serious power and the best part is he finishes fights but if he want to win he should change his name into Matt Condit. Looking at Gsp record fighters have a better chance to win if you're just a ''Matt''
Nick has social anxiety...That's definitely a good explanation for his no-show. The guy hates to give interviews in front of the camera...He just looks so obviously awkward...Additionally to this social problem, he's not--as we all know-- the most respectful or disciplined guy...Hope he'll learn the lesson to abide by the rules and play the game after losing this life-time opportunity...
who gives a **** if he plays the game or not hes a fighter who needs to train and not do stupid conferences **** dana white. Thank you for ruining 2 great fights GSP vs Diaz and Penn vs condit. Carlos has nothing to offer for GSP what a stupid ****ing move!!!! ****!
You sir, are a complete phuckin muppet! This is a job, not P90X. Part of the "game" is to have a social/media presence, and if you can't abide by that, then you're gonna have a hard time in this company (UFC). No different than any job. You want to keep your job? Attend meetings.
Easy on the lip when you reply too, boy. I kept it professional.....I called you sir.
griffin - have you ever had a job?
If Diaz wants to just fight and do none of the other elements required of him, then he can just not get paid. A better employee can step in. This isn't street-fighting, this is a company with rules and employees.
This really pisses me off but you dont need to swear about it.
You are truly an idiot!
if you were that interested you could watch the primetime they had planned give me a ****ing break atleast it would have been a fight not a GSP 50-44 decision
What's up, Griffin or Nick ? I didn't know you have time to post sh!ts here on LOWKICK. Should have show up for the press bro, I was looking forward to your speech !!!
Wow thought i'd have to wait awhile for this fight, this is the only potential title fight that may not put me to sleep.
PLEASE condit, PLEASE keep it standing! That way either GSP steps up and shows us why he's the champ or crumbles when he can't just sit his way to a win. 100X better than the diaz fight, but it's too bad that guy couldn't best his personal demons
That kids is the reason you shouldn't do drugs it will cost you the opportunity of a life time
Told you guys,but you didn't believe me.
I hope there is an explanation, but I don´t think so, WTF? I have been waiting for this fight for so long...
I agree. Don't get me wrong, I am very interested in seeing Condit fight GSP, but I was pretty intrigued by the Diaz fight.
This fight is farrr more interesting imo
Lets put it this way... I wouldn't want to have to choose one at the cost of never seeing the other happen. Diaz and Condit are both opponents I was looking forward to seeing GSP fight. So, I am not in any way turned off by the Condit fight, its just a shame that the Diaz fight won't happen now. And I doubt the UFC will give him another chance without some type of vindicating explanation, such as an alien abduction, as GSP suggested.
wow nick diaz blew it. ****ing idiot, and now hes going to be saying the ufc doesnt like him, but this time hes really the one who messed up
I don't know about the MMA battle, but I guess we just found out who won the battle of wills.
wow Diaz better have a good explanation. He just ****ed up an opportunity of a life time. I dont see him ever fighting for the UFC title again now.
Diaz better have a good explanation. He just ****ed up an opportunity of a life time. I dont see him ever fighting for the UFC title again now.
@ Bill Cosby, Weird ! Pluto said the same sh!t !
lol how do you delete comments?
time machine?
I took care of it for ya ;)
I get home from work to read this...ffs Diaz, thankyou very much :|
Complete bullsh*t. If Dana wants to punish him, take it out of his pocket, but don't punish everyone else (fans, promoters, trainers etc.) cause your widdle ego is bruised because he "won't play the game."
Damn.
that would work as a punishment for every other fight BUT Diaz. This guy was getting serious money for this fight but wouldnt even turn up for the media events and more than likley wouldnt have shown for the fight either, so taking money from him wouldnt have mad a diffence anyway
Hey, you can't put this one on dana. When a fighter sings with the ufc he is obligated to make appearances to promote fights. that is how every pro sport organizations operate if nick can't conform he needs to stay in the small promotions .
Yea, after viewing Nick's moronic vid and ceasar's statements I think your right. I just really wanted to see this fight
lol looks like he was Scared HOMIE!!!! and to think he said gsp was ducking him
First off I have to say I just seriously hope he isn't hurt and is okay, if he is fine and has no proper excuse for this then F*CK DIAZ.
One of the biggest smack talkers in MMA and even has the trademark saying "Don't be scared homie" yet he is the one that refuses to meet face to face with his opponent.
It doesn't really matter in the end because GSP would have destroyed him anyway and Condit is twice th eopponent Diaz is, he is basically a polished up version of Diaz. Condit is far mor dangerous on the feet and has some great jits himself, not on Diaz's level but still great.
Condit has been blasting all of his top ranked UFC opponents (bar MacDonald) and Diaz has only fought one top 15 WW in a long time and that is Daley.
WAR - GSP VS. CONDDIT
un-fricken-believable....
This was gonna be the best card of of the year for me, was looking forward to it since they put it together. Diaz imo had a legitimate chance to take the belt or at least have a good back and forth battle with GSP. BJ and Condit was gonna be fireworks, two of the most elite strikers going at it. The fact that both fights are off is the worst turn of events leading up to a card I can remember. Not to mention 3 guys have to change up their training stratagies half way through camp.
im delighted for Condit, very nice resepctable fighter he is a great replacement for Diaz
BJ vs. DIAZ........
BJ would destroy diaz
exactly what I was thinking, it would be a great fight but ive been hearing rumours about a rematch with jon fitch instead
Think this shows Diaz is scared to fight GSP because he knows he doesn't have a hope in hell.
Go to boxing you bum and disrespect that sport.
that guy is 28 year old and he's acting like an immature little kid. my 10 year old little brother is more mature than nick diaz. very unfortunate,cause is was my most anticipated fight
Nick Diaz is a FOOL. He's missing out on the biggest pay day he'll most likely ever get and the opportunity of testing himself against the best and holding the most prestigious WW title there is. All because he doesn't want to do interviews or press conferences It's beyond belief what a FOOL.
Love Diaz too, but yeah Condit deserved the shot first. The problem is the same for the selection of matchups as it is here with pulling Diaz.
Dana is becoming more a gangster or politician than a business man, where he is making decisions not on long term profit goals, but "dont mess with me" terms.
Usually a business has a P.R. or publicity manager and in order to keep things quiet handles this behind the scenes. Diaz would be released, fined, or re-contracted (possibly all) after the fight. It costs less.
Even without Diaz they could hype this fight enough to make more money than Condit GSP. All the promotional is a loss, time money etc.
Not to mention far more fans already as a base than the new fans a promo will bring in that wanted to see this fight.
At least the new fight will be just as good.
I think I agree with almost everyone of your posts...that being said Nick Diaz is a joke!
This guy thinks about nobody but himself, IMO he's been his own worst enemy since day one. I was lucky enough to get to roll with his brother when they were both suppose to come up to teach some jujitsu around Canada. Nick unfortunately pulled shoot.
I'll feel bad if the guy is dead, but other then that, hes cancer to himself and this industry. I can see why he avoids interviews, English appears to be a second language to the guy. James Toney makes more sense.
hmmm wonder if it possible if diaz could fight bj penn.
I would like to see that fight
Well Nick....I guess you saved yourself an ass whoopin'!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!LOSER.......
dictator did it again! everybody can NOT be sucking your balls 24/7 dana!!!! your kicking people out for personal reasons... "he missed a plane" so F***ing what!!!!!
look what you did instead you idiot!!! GSP has to change his camp and BJ is without a competitor..... doesnt they deserve little more respect??? if they protest, they are out to, right????
like always, dana doesnt give a shit about the fighters, he just wanna fill his pockets with Money.....
I think Condits camp change will be more severe than GSPs' so in reality GSP is at an advantage with this.
the thing i find funny is that he vacated his belt. threatened to go to boxing if he didn't get to fight GSP. bragged about how GSP was scared. and then at the last minute runs away. lol now he has no belt, no leverage for contract negotiations, he has nothing,KARMA is a a Bitch.
I wanted to see this fight! This really sucks!! No unification.... Condit is a sweet replacement tho!
I was really excited about GSP vs Diaz as i genuinely thought Diaz had the abilities on the floor and in the stand up to give GSP a lot of trouble, and then Diaz goes and blows the chance of a lifetime, after bitching about not getting paid too! what an idiot. I've always been a big fan of Diaz but he can be a damn fuc*ing moron at times man, how stupid can one man be........
...........Anyway, i like Condit a lot also and he's looked awesome lately. Problem is if GSP decides to take him down all night long, that's what will happen as Condit in the past has struggled against good wrestlers and with Condit finishing his last 3 fights by KO GSP is not going to want to keep it on the feet. I hope Condit has already started drilling his TDD for what it's worth at this stage.......
If there was going to be a Hollywood movie made about Diaz's life, this would be the point, where the lead character (Diaz) thought they would achieve their goal, but then dropped the ball, leading to the low point in their life...
..."Rocky" or "the Fighter"? We'll know soon enough...
ha,,ha,ha,ha,ha,Nick the PRICK is sooo done!!!! good luck getting on any card you hood rat!!!!! Im looooving this soooo much,GTFO beyotch,and take your brother with you,LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SUCK! I rally like Condit and he is definitely ready but I am super disappointed Diaz V GSP isn't happening.
I feel sorry for whoever they give BJ Penn on this card. One pissed off Hawaiian is not a good look to fight with
Finally GSP is fighting a guy that isn't 1-dimensional.
Condo is taking GSP's belt, I'm sorry. GSP is my all-time favorite fighter, but HE must lose to attain that ferocity he had but lost. GSP loses this, comes back in two fights, totally destroying his opponents and finishes them and completely murders Condit.
Condit won't outclass GSP, he will just catch him. GSP will show octagon superiority, but Condit will catch him eventually.
Damn, hate waiting for good fights then they end up never happening then we wait like a year for the fight again
I love how Diaz refusing to show up to stuff he signed a contract for is somehow Dana's fault. Don't give me that, "he needs to train, not waste time with the media," BS because all of the fighters have to do it. He agreed to certain terms, he should have manned the **** up instead of talking about GSP for years and then pulling this shit.
It is my guess that in Diaz's universe--fighting is pure, and the marketing of the fight is beneath his contempt. Prefight press conferences are a beauty pageant--having nothing to do with real fighting. All he has to do is show up for the fight--and leave the marketing crap to others.
Paradoxically, Diaz feels he is underpaid and unappreciated as a fighter--he has complained as much before. He also called out GSP, and could not understand why GSP didn't quit the UFC to come over and fight him--espcially since Nick had defeated so many top-ranked fighters in Strikeforce.
Nick, put on your metal mulisha hoody, trim your goatee, sit down, TRY to give a 20-30 second answer, or less, and then shut up until the next question. Get up, face GSP, take a pic, turn face the cameras, more pics. Go sign some autographs, try to smile. Sounds like a tough day in the office...o yeah, and in 25 mins, you can be a millionaire!
Where do I sign for this gig? FML.
GSP and Condit should come out wearing the Don't Be Scared Homie T-shirt..
I have no idea why a lot of people here are upset with Dana White. I'm not a fan of Dana White at all but even I can forgive him for cutting Diaz out. We (the fans) like it or not UFC is still a company and MMA a business Diaz was booked for promotional tour and he NEEDS to follow through with his commitments.
Businesses don't act like this. Mafia does. They send messages to other members with erratic motions of power. I am not Nick didn't fck up or shouldnt be punished but the bottom line is they would have made more money goingthrough with the fight then having condit fight gsp after (or less likely Diaz). Businesses usually have pr people handle this. Think about rock stars or other celebrities that this happens with.
Another point here is nick may have asbergers syndrome. I am not making excuses for him but, it's more than likely it's not so simple as "man up" or take some meds. Having worked with autistic people I have a feeling nick has a mild form. So all the tough guys here who would dothings better get off your fantasy Internet world and do half of what any ofthese fighters have done than make your comments.
I'm not sure if this comment is in direct response to my comment. I have re read through my comment and can't see anything about Nick Diaz medical problem or even any disrespect to Nick Diaz. All i said was signed with the UFC then follow through with the commitments set by the UFC.Furthermore If you have a problem with all the tough guys that are making comment that you did not like PLEASE by all means respond to their comment cause you making me sound like I'm disrespecting Nick Diaz and making light of his medical condition.
Give Diaz another change... To get his ass kicked by BJ and then fire him
Cant help someone who dont wanna help themselfs
If Condit brings his A game and neckbeard....The title will be his no doubt.
this sucks.
BJ Penn vs ..............
only those not fighting would call mma a game. The fighters should show up for the fight and act there to the best of their abilities, all the rest is busenissbrabble and it's killing the sport.
I think they should have fined Nick for every no-show. A little more every time. He'd be pissed, but I bet he'd start showing up. I think the social disorder the most plausable explanation for the way he acts in public forums. Just wish this was all a bad dream. Someone wake me up and tell me the fight is still on!!
i am definitely still a diaz fan, i mean its not like you wouldnt expect something like this to happen. i think dana just shoulda been prepared and the penn vs diaz fight is a blessing in disguise. if diaz does beat penn he will solidify his position as one of the top P4P and WW fighters in the world and will get that title shot back but knowing dana im sure he wont give him the shot willingly