Las Vegas – Leading into the main event of UFC 137 against BJ Penn and even a year or so before, fans and MMA pundit alike have made their case that Nick Diaz may be an eccentric character, but he is one of the worlds best at 170 pounds. Detractors would counter that the level of competition Diaz has faced during his ten fight win streak was not up to par with that of the UFC.
Last night against one of MMA’s greatest fighters of all time in BJ Penn, Diaz proved that he is on the level of top tier UFC welterweights.
While the opening round was competitive, the second and third rounds belonged to Diaz. Once it appeared Penn began to slow, Diaz moved in with his relentless striking and dominated a man who many believed to have the best boxing in MMA.
Diaz used his six inch reach to push the pace against Penn. Diaz often backed Penn into the cage which allowed him to deliver multiple shots to the body. Diaz did a phenomenal job of using different angles and changing levels. Penn had no answers for the amount of strikes Diaz threw nor did he have any answers for the pace Diaz set in the second and third rounds.
Diaz landed “punches in bunches” throughout the fight and showed solid work in the clinch. Diaz is an elite level striker at 170. The only questions that will remain now, are how will Diaz fair when he faces a wrestler like Georges St-Pierre or Jon Fitch?
Following the bout, Diaz called out UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. Stating that he did not believe that St-Pierre was hurt just scared to fight Diaz. "I don't think Georges is hurt," Diaz said. "I think he's scared. I think he's scared to fight everyone right now."
Tonight, Diaz proved he deserves the accolades that he receives from his fans and respect from those who have doubted his status as a top tier welterweight. It will be interesting to see what the UFC does with him next. Would Diaz sit out six plus months to wait on the winner of an eventual fight between St-Pierre and Carlos Condit? Would he accept a fight against Jon Fitch and risk an almost guaranteed title shot?
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