Friday, June 3, 2011

Don't Be Scared Homie





Nick Diaz is my favorite fighter for a few reasons. First, his Jiu-Jitsu skills are at a very high level. A lot of fighters have top tier jiu-jitsu skills but he compliments that skill set with a high level (for MMA) of boxing ability, and uses his hands in situations when most other ground fighters would rather play to their strength and take it to the floor. Normally, standing with a good striker would be considered stupid for a grappler, but Diaz is that good on his feet. He will jack you up with a steady barrage of body blows and head punches. He consistently goes to the body on his opponents, which is smart. If his opponent becomes overwhelmed with punches and tries to take it to the ground, it just gets worse. Diaz will just reach into a deep well of submissions and finish the fight. He comes to finish fights, not win by decision. His jaw is made of granite. In short, a highly entertaining fighter to watch.

Another thing I admire about the guy is his authenticity. Whether you like him or not, you have to respect the fact that what you see is what you get, and there is no bullshit with Nick. He tells it like he sees it, and doesn't fake it just to appease his masters. That's extremely rare in this age of media whores that will do anything to become famous. Nick is very much of the Northern California attitude in that sense. He doesn't change for the camera... or anyone for that matter.

I can't wait for his fight with GSP. He's worked hard to get here and he deserves it. Go 209!

-Anthony S Rivero