MMA News and UFC Betting Odds

DIAZ VS SHAMROCK: IS IT WORTH IT?

 By John Gagne

 

Recently announced is a bout between Frank Shamrock and Nick Diaz. What is the point? Despite the fact that Frank beat Nick’s instructor Caesar Gracie, there is little to no reason for this fight. Frank should be more concerned about fighting guys in his division, and solidifying himself as a legend. Not as a guy who will fight anyone, whether it hurts or helps his career.

 

What if Nick beats Frank? Is that a big win for Nick or a huge loss for Frank? At this point it’s really hard to tell whom this bout would affect more, win or lose. To me it would appear that Frank is the one out of the two that has the most to lose. If Frank losses to Nick the next fight would be a tune up for a Cung Le rematch. Strikeforce would have to give him some one credible, so that fans wouldn’t think he was just handed the shot.

 

Now if Frank beats Nick, it is a great start on the road back to the Strikeforce Middle Weight Title. I just feel that Strikeforce should be looking for talent that is in each fighters respected division. Not having these “Superfights” at a catch weight. This fight being at 179lbs, which should favor Nick since he probably walks around at that already. I do not understand why Strikeforce is not trying to get a rematch with Noons, or another top guy in that weight class who is not under UFC contract. In the manner of Frank there are plenty of guys at 185 that Strikeforce could find to match up against Shamrock.

 

Marketing wise I can kind of see the relevance. The event will take place in San Jose, CA where Shamrock trains and resides. This location is also close to Nick Diaz in Stockton, CA, where Nick trains and resides. The numbers for this event should be huge, pending nothing happen to either fighter. I still feel they could bring an equal draw if they matched up each fighter against someone in their weight classes.

 

From a betting perspective the bookmakers are going to have a difficult time coming up with odds in this fight. I saw Frank is the favorite right off the bat. Although Nick is not a huge underdog, I do still see him as a slight one. My guess for the odds would be Frank Shamrock -210 Nick Diaz +200.

Nick Diaz, Strikeforce, frank shamrock frank shamrock, mma, MMA NEWS, Nick Diaz, Strikeforce

Props: GracieFighter.com

Quoteworthy:

“EliteXC representatives have vowed that they will continue operations and will be planning a show in early 2009. Most of the major EliteXC fighters under contract have been notified. Lead counsel for the organization has informed us that contrary to popular beleif, EliteXC has not filed for bankruptcy and has merely scaled down their staff.”

Cesar Gracie shares that feedback he received from ProElite — the parent company of Elite XC — after he filed a breach of contract with the promotion on behalf of Nick Diaz. Last month the promotion shut its doors after being unable to secure additional funding. It was widely believed that the next step would be bankruptcy; however, it appears that there still maybe some fight left in the promotion. This could also just be an attempt an attempt to buy more time before official collapse — the promotion had 30 days to respond to the breach of contract. In the meantime, Diaz is free to compete in Japan as is Eddie Alvavrez, which Gracie alludes to in the write up. Perhaps we will see the two lightweights collide after all … just not this Saturday.

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EliteXC, MMA News, Nick Diaz

Former Elite XC lightweight champion KJ Noons once again had a lot to say about his arch nemesis Nick Diaz in a recent on PWB’s Official Podcast Hotline with Lex and Ian.

Noons defeated Diaz by first round technical knockout at Elite XC: “Renegade” in November of last year in the promotion’s inaugural division title fight. The 160-pound affair was stopped after the first round by a cageside doctor who would not allow Diaz to continue with at least two gushing gashes on his face.

Diaz stormed out of the cage shortly thereafter.

It was believed he would eventually get a rematch because of the way the fight ended. But the rematch never went down. Some people figured the less experienced Noons didn’t want to face the more talented Diaz again for fear of losing his title, but Noons tells a different story:

“The number one reason why it didn’t happen was because they wanted to pay me three times less money than the guy I beat the crap out of…I had defended my title successfully, and they wanted me to fight him, which I was perfectly fine with. It was built up, all the drama, behind the scenes … they wanted to pay me three times less money and I told them to go screw themselves.”

Noons’ performance against Diaz was without a doubt impressive — he was easily ahead in the fight when it was stopped. But the fact that it ended on a cut never sat right with the fans or Elite XC … and virtually everyone wanted the rematch to happen.

Noons, on the other hand, felt like he put a beating on Diaz and that the Stockton native didn’t deserve another title shot yet. And it’s not like Noons had a cupcake in his first title defense either. Yves Edwards was a heavy favorite and brought in a ton more experience, but KJ took him out … impressively.

Then he called out Eddie Alvarez, one of the fastest rising prospects in the world — but that still wasn’t good enough for Elite XC. The promotion wanted the Diaz rematch. And when the two parties couldn’t agree, Noons was stripped of his belt. Again, KJ tells another story:

“I wrote them a letter telling them I would give them the belt back, and in the return they don’t say anything about that and they strip me of the belt, acting like they are taking away from me. If you’re gonna treat your champ like that, I don’t want to be your champ.”

Now that the two fighters are apparently free agents with Elite XC going down, there are plenty of opportunities for them to fight each other elsewhere. And Noons is certainly not downplaying a rematch:

“I think it would be a great fight…as long as it makes sense, if any promotion wants to do it, let’s make it happen, call me up…”

And the fallout from the demise of Elite XC continues …

addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmmamania.com%2F2008%2F10%2F31%2Fkj-noons-now-wants-a-rematch-with-nick-diaz%2F'; addthis_title = 'KJ+Noons+now+wants+a+rematch+with+Nick+Diaz'; addthis_pub = 'brok3llc';

EliteXC, KJ Noons, MMA News, Nick Diaz

Former Elite XC lightweight contender Nick Diaz today formally filed a breach of contract notice against Elite XC, which closed its doors earlier this month, to ensure that he can legally remain an active fighter in the days and months ahead with no restrictions.

The title of the letter read, “Notice of Breach - Unarmed Combatant Promotional Agreement between Nick Diaz and EliteXC Live, Inc.” It was made available in its entirety over at GracieFighter.com.

The breach obviously comes from the promotion being unable to fulfill the number of fights on his contract. The promotion has 30 days to remedy the situation; however, that remains a very slim possibility now that it no longer exists.

Diaz was set to face Eddie Alvarez for the company’s vacant lightweight title on November 8. That bout was scrapped when Elite XC announced its plans to fold.

The Cesar Gracie-trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is always in great shape and seems to want to fight a lot. So this letter should make him eligible to fight anywhere he pleases after 30 days.

Here’s a snip:

“Pursuant to Article 43 of the Agreement, EliteXC Live Inc. has thirty (30) days to cure such material breach by posting a bond or other form of escrow in such an amount as set forth in the Agreement that must be payable to Mr. Diaz upon completion of each contemplated Bout set forth in the Agreement and any extensions thereof, and, specifically to evidence EliteXC Live Inc.’s ability to fulfill its obligations under Article 47. If EliteXC Live Inc. fails to cure such material breach in the manner set forth above within thirty (30) days of receipt this written notice, then in Accordance with Article 43, the Agreement and any extensions thereof will be terminated.”

Diaz has been clear in the past that he enjoys competing in Japan under their rules and in a ring. In fact, he has been rumored for months to be facing “Mach” Sakurai for the DREAM welterweight crown.

The Japanese have traditionally always put together solid events on New Year’s Eve and 2008 is no exception. Therefore, if Diaz becomes a free agent, don’t be surprised to see him compete one more time before year’s end … perhaps on the stacked DREAM K-1 card.

Time will tell.

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EliteXC, MMA News, Nick Diaz

Former Elite XC lightweight contender Nick Diaz today formally filed a breach of contract notice against Elite XC, which closed its doors earlier this month, to ensure that he can legally remain an active fighter in the days and months ahead with no restrictions.

The title of the letter read, “Notice of Breach - Unarmed Combatant Promotional Agreement between Nick Diaz and EliteXC Live, Inc.” It was made available in its entirety over at GracieFighter.com.

The breach obviously comes from the promotion being unable to fulfill the number of fights on his contract. The promotion has 30 days to remedy the situation; however, that remains a very slim possibility now that it no longer exists.

Diaz was set to face Eddie Alvarez for the company’s vacant lightweight title on November 8. That bout was scrapped when Elite XC announced its plans to fold.

The Cesar Gracie-trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is always in great shape and seems to want to fight a lot. So this letter should make him eligible to fight anywhere he pleases after 30 days.

Here’s a snip:

“Pursuant to Article 43 of the Agreement, EliteXC Live Inc. has thirty (30) days to cure such material breach by posting a bond or other form of escrow in such an amount as set forth in the Agreement that must be payable to Mr. Diaz upon completion of each contemplated Bout set forth in the Agreement and any extensions thereof, and, specifically to evidence EliteXC Live Inc.’s ability to fulfill its obligations under Article 47. If EliteXC Live Inc. fails to cure such material breach in the manner set forth above within thirty (30) days of receipt this written notice, then in Accordance with Article 43, the Agreement and any extensions thereof will be terminated.”

Diaz has been clear in the past that he enjoys competing in Japan under their rules and in a ring. In fact, he has been rumored for months to be facing “Mach” Sakurai for the DREAM welterweight crown.

The Japanese have traditionally always put together solid events on New Year’s Eve and 2008 is no exception. Therefore, if Diaz becomes a free agent, don’t be surprised to see him compete one more time before year’s end … perhaps on the stacked DREAM K-1 card.

Time will tell.

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EliteXC, MMA News, Nick Diaz

Ever since the collapse of ProElite and EliteXC, managers such as Monte Cox have reviewed their fighters’ contracts and contacted EliteXC officials about a possible breach of contract with ProElite closing its doors. The contract for EliteXC’s fighters basically states that if EliteXC is unable to fulfill its payment obligations that the fighters can seek to [...]

EliteXC, MMA News, Nick Diaz, Sengoku

Count UFC President Dana White among the many interested suitors interested in possibly securing the services of 25-year-old mixed martial arts veteran, Nick Diaz (18–7), now that Elite XC is no longer.

That is, of course, if the Stockton, Calif., native can cool his temper outside the cage.

“I think Nick Diaz is a bad ass. Nick Diaz is a tough kid,” White said in a recent radio interview with TapouT Live. “Nick Diaz doesn’t handle himself right all the time in public. I like him — I respect him as a fighter. I love his attitude. I love the way that kid fights. But you can’t do the stuff that this kid does in public. You can’t get into fights when the fight is over … you can’t do that stuff.”

White is perhaps referring to an incident in the wake of UFC 57: “Liddell vs. Couture 3” in 2006 when Diaz was so fired up that a decision didn’t go his way in a fight against Joe Riggs that he dropped “Diesel” in the hospital afterwards.

He remained with the promotion after the post-fight fisticuffs, going on to lose his next bout against Sean Sherk via unanimous decision. The defeat to the “Muscle Shark” was his third straight inside the Octagon; however; Diaz, felt at the time that he should have won all the fights during that rough stretch.

Diaz would go on two fight twice more under the UFC banner, collecting stoppages over Josh Neer and Gleison Tibau, before signing on to challenge Pride FC golden boy, Takanori Gomi, once his contract with Zuffa expired.

He initially defeated the “Fireball Kid” with a thrilling submission (gogoplata), ending a explosive clash that up until that point was an absolute war. However, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) changed the result to a “No Contest” when Diaz tested positive for marijuana in his post-fight drug test.

Diaz signed with upstart promotion Elite XC quickly thereafter in early 2007, emerging as one of its most marketable stars. And while he failed in his attempt to capture the vacant 160-pound title, Diaz put together a solid record (4-1) while with Elite XC (and one fight with DREAM).

Of course, Diaz — who had been a staple in the UFC 170-pound division for several years — would be an instant force in the lightweight division if he were to return to the organization and compete at 155.

His younger brother, Nate Diaz, currently competes in the category and has enjoyed tremendous success, including winning the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).

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MMA News, Nick Diaz, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

Nick Diaz has always been open about how much he loves fighting in Japan and how he feels about the way the nation embraces and respects the sport. He’s also stated in the past he feels the Japanese rules with a ring and no elbows on the ground favor traditional martial arts.

Basically, the Stockton native likes the way the Japanese approach the fight game. In fact, he recently confirmed through GracieFighter.com that he will return to fight in “The Land of the Rising Sun.”

Here’s a snip:

“Dream pays Nick Diaz in full from his last bout in May. Diaz agrees to return to fight in Japan, however at this point it is unclear for which organization.”

There have been rumors all summer that Diaz would face “Mach” Sakurai for the DREAM welterweight title during his next trip out there, but Diaz had problems getting paid for his last fight with the promotion against Katsuya Inoue at DREAM 3 on May 11.

He was reportedly owed $100,000 by the Japanese mixed martial arts promotion for the first round technical knockout win over Inoue. He is now clearly skeptical about doing business with them again.

Here’s a report posted on GracieFighter.com dating back to August 1:

“Diaz could be cleared to fight Mach Sakurai in Dream at the end of September. Diaz has wanted to fight Sakurai for the Dream Champioship Belt, but a stumbling block to this fight has been that as of now Dream has still not paid him a cent for the last fight he participated in for their organization almost 3 months ago.”

Obviously the “Mach” fight didn’t happen in September, but isn’t completely out of the question for a future DREAM event now that they finally coughed up the money … even if it was five months late.

For now, however, Diaz is set to face Eddie Alvarez in Reno, Nevada, on November 8 at Elite XC: “A Night of Champions” for the vacant company lightweight belt.

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MMA News, Nick Diaz

EliteXC has announced it’s next card dubbed “A Night Of Champions” on Nov. 8 from Reno, Nevada. The main card will be televised on Showtime.

While this card lacks star power, it features one of the better main cards EliteXC has ever put on. Bringing in tough fighters like Alvarez, Lombard and Kaufman, EliteXC looks to build to its current stable of fighters.

Main Card

Robbie Lawler (16-4) vs. Joey Villasenor (26-6) [T]
Nick Diaz (18-7) vs. Eddie Alvarez (15-1) [T]
Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (7-1) vs. TBA
Scott Smith (13-5) vs. Hector Lombard (17-2-1)
Kaitlin Young (4-2) vs. Sarah Kaufman (7-0)

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Eddie Alvarez, EliteXC, Kaitlin Young, MMA News, News, Nick Diaz, Scott Smith, joey villasenor, robbie lawler

K.J. Noons was stripped of the EliteXC lightweight title almost a month ago after not coming to terms with EliteXC on a possible title defense against Nick Diaz. The promotion wanted to schedule Noons vs. Diaz for their October 4 EliteXC “Heat” show on CBS. Noons refused to defend the title against Nick Diaz and [...]

Eddie Alvarez, EliteXC, KJ Noons, MMA News, Nick Diaz