Re: UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz (Oct. 29th) Speaking of bizarre career choices, Donald Cerrone would rather White Knight all of his enemies and guys who have beaten his friends (Nam Phan being the latest) than pursue the UFC LW championship--a win over Dennis Siver likely putting him into the top five in the division. He is interested in dropping to featherweight to fight Phan, who was critical of Len Garcia's coaches (Team Jackson--also Cerrone's coaches) following their recent second fight. Cole Miller is also on his hitlist. Dude--focus on the task at hand.
Re: UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz (Oct. 29th) Wrestling and MMA writer Dave Meltzer claims the UFC is going to take an $8.5-million hit by not having GSP on this Saturday's marquee (assuming a possible 700k PPV buy figure gets cut in half without him). Ouch.
Re: UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz (Oct. 29th) [video=youtube;5cWCjw-xtOg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cWCjw-xtOg[/video]
Re: UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz (Oct. 29th) If you like Nick Diaz, here is an epic 25-minute ramble with Ariel Helwani. If you don't, you should probably skip it. http://video.aol.com/aolvideo/aol-sports/nick-diaz-ufc-137-pre-fight-interview/1242833398001
Re: UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz (Oct. 29th) Calling it a ramble is a bit unfair. As always Nick is all over the place but Ariel gives him enough time to sort out what he wants to say and the interview becomes extremely memorable as a window into Diaz's life including his trials and tribulations as a man and a professional athlete. Worth watching.
Re: UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz (Oct. 29th) BJ looks small, and Diaz is giving us his not-so-mean mug, but it should still be an outstanding fight...
Re: UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz (Oct. 29th) I think this might be the most even-matched main event in some time.
Re: UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz (Oct. 29th) Joe Rogan begs Nick Diaz to stay for the post-weigh-in interview, Nick marches off. [video=youtube;eN7mIYSDP1Y]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN7mIYSDP1Y[/video]
Results Cliff Starks d. Dustin Jacoby, unanimous decision Francis Clarmont d. Chris Camozzi, unanimous decision Ramsey Nijem d. Danny Downes, unanimous decision Brandon Vera d. Elliot Marshall, unanimous decision Bart Palaszewski d. Tyson Griffin, knockout (punches), R1/2.45 Donald Cerrone d. Denis Siver, submission (rear naked choke), R1/2.22 Hatsu Hioki d. George Roop, split decision Scotty Jorgensen d. Jeff Curran, unanimous decision Roy Nelson d. Mirko Cro Cop, technical knockout (punches), R3/1.30 Cheick Kongo d. Matt Mitrione, unanimous decision Nick Diaz d. BJ Penn, unanimous decision
Gotta say that was a forgettable pay-per-view if not for a thrilling main event. Nick Diaz never has a boring fight.
Thoughts... Donald Cerrone is great to watch if you don't put him up against a wrestler. Guy is a killer. Gave Siver the jimmy-legs almost instantly and patiently went in for the kill, finishing via submission. Guy is well-rounded and his TDD is improving but I still wouldn't bet on him vs. the likes of Edgar, Henderson, Guida, etc.. Would love to see him fight Pettis. Cro Cop can't take a punch anymore. Sad to see him go out like this. Some guys retire gracefully, most go out on their shields. Thanks for the memories, Cro Cop. As for Nelson--maybe he fights Kongo or Travis Browne. Shocking performance by Matt Mitrione. Just couldn't get off. I think he had some trouble with Kongo's reach. Not much of a fight TBH. No nut shots for Kongo, surprisingly.
Diaz/Penn was a classic fight. Penn actually came back for the first time in forever but couldn't do much to stop the endlessly crashing waves of punches coming from Diaz. Typical Nick Diaz performance--massive punch volume, lots of shots absorbed--except maybe less trash talking and taunting. Hard to believe Penn survived the second round when Diaz seemed to be breaking him. Credit to Penn for fighting to the bell--maybe had retirement in mind and wanted to go out with his chin down and hands up. Supposedly GSP was asking to change his fight with Condit to a fight with Diaz after being called-out. Probably won't get changed but interesting to hear. Worrisome--Diaz's lack of take-down defense still apparent.
Elliot Marshall damaged the ligaments in Brandon Vera's arm in the third round applying an armbar but didn't break it. Good news. BJ Penn has been taken to hospital.
