Nick is smiling because studies show that 15 out of 20 pros prefer a Diaz win at UFC 143

From the looks of the picture above, Nick Diaz did not just get gypped by his local Wendy’s Drive thru. I know this because no one smiles after driving down the road reaching into a bag of lunch on-the-run fried fast food goodness only to find out that your five piece spicy chicken nuggets are short a nugget. No, it’s actually varying degrees of the complete opposite facial expression that overcome your face. It begins with a bewildered frown as you search the bag for a run away piece of smooshed chicken parts. It then progresses to a full on frown of disappointment and disgust when you realize you will only get to dip four nuggets into the complimentary container of creamy ranch dipping sauce.

Nick Diaz probably never has to deal with not getting all of his spicy nuggets though. As a matter of fact, Nick Diaz probably got extra nuggets in his bag. That’s what happens when you are Nick Diaz. Sort of like when Sherdog.com conducts an unscientific study and 15 out of 20 of the pros they question pick Nick Diaz to win over Carlos Condit this weekend. Nick not only gets all the nuggets he also gets the picks. Check out the breakdown from Sherdog.com below:

Ricardo Liborio: Diaz by decision. Amazing matchup.

Mike Ciesnolevicz: I am so much more excited about this fight than I was now that GSP is not included. I probably would not have watched if GSP was fighting. I don’t like to go to bed that early on the weekends, and he would surely put me to bed faster than if I chugged a bottle of Nyquil. I know this fight will be super exciting. It’s actually one of the best possible fights I can think of as a fight fan. As for the skill sets and strategy, I believe Diaz has the punching advantage and Condit is better with knees and kicks. I think neither guy has great wrestling, so that should cancel out. In the Brazilian jiu-jitsu department, Diaz has the advantage, although Condit is surely [at a] black belt level himself. Just like most of the Diaz fights I have seen of late, this will come down to pace and cardio and the relentless attack. I believe Condit is a beast and has excellent strength and conditioning, but Diaz will wear him out and take over as the fight progresses. I am calling Diaz by unanimous decision in a “Fight of the Year” candidate.

Gabe Ruediger: It’s going to be a great fight. Both guys come in ready and just fight. I think Diaz has the hardest time with controlling wrestlers, which Condit is not. Diaz wins by late sub or TKO.

Keith Berry: I really want Condit in this fight. I think the “Natural Born Killer” will rise to the occasion and get the decision.

Bart Palaszewski: Personally, I’m pulling for Carlos.

Mark Bocek: Diaz [wins], I think, but it’s a good fight, [with] high-volume punching from Nick. But Condit beat Ellenberger … it’s a great fight. Whoever makes the first mistake will lose.

Jim Hettes: I gotta go with Diaz, not just because of his outstanding combination of jiu-jitsu and boxing, but [because] being employed by the UFC means I might actually come face-to-face with one of these fighters. I’m willing to bet Diaz will actually beat me up for picking against him (laughs), so let’s go Diaz.

Shane Roller: Close fight — leaning towards Condit.

Travis Wiuff: Diaz is unbeatable right now. I don’t see anyone beating him, including GSP. Diaz wins by TKO in the third round after the ref stops the fight.

Kyle Kingsbury: I got Diaz winning by chanting “209” until Condit taps.

Javier Vazquez: These are two of my favorite fighters. I think it’s going to be a great fight [and] it’s going to be a back-and-forth war. I think Diaz is going to set a crazy pace and try to take Condit into deep water. I think, eventually, Diaz will be too much for Condit and will either submit him in the fifth round or will stop him via TKO in the fifth.

Nam Phan: Diaz all the way.

Ben Askren: I think Diaz will win. His standup has continued to improve, [and] I think he will out-strike Condit. We already know Diaz has him if it goes to the ground, so I think, barring a KO, Diaz takes it.

Johny Hendricks: Man, I am thinking that Carlos is going to win. He has heavy hands and good BJJ. I know Nick is the same type of fighter, which will [make for] a great fight to watch for the fans. I just think Carlos is going to win.

Alan Belcher: Diaz all the way. I roll with the 209.

Michael Guymon: Diaz-Condit is so evenly matched in my eyes. I just see Diaz winning this one with his constant pressure style.

John Hackleman: I have Court McGee sitting right here next to me, and we both kind of agree. We both think Nick-Condit is going to be a lot like Nate [Diaz] and [Donald] Cerrone. Nick is a lot like Nate in style, and Cerrone’s style is a lot like Condit’s style. I think it’ll turn out the same. I think Condit will be sharper and land early. He might even cut Nick, heaven forbid. That’ll be a first (laughs). But I think Nick is going to weather an early storm, throw sharper techniques and he’s going to plow forward like he always does. I think he’s going to stop him in the third. So, yeah, the styles are the same, and it’s an interesting matchup because of that.

Joe Duarte: I got Diaz. He is as tough as they come. He probably even mouthwashes with bleach. Condit is good, but this one is going to come down to who is tougher. Diaz takes it.

Jeff Hougland: I can’t wait for this fight. I am a fan of both of these guys’ style. They are both well-rounded and don’t just fight to win; they fight to hurt their opponents. I think all the fans watching are in for an amazing fight. My pick is Diaz by third- or fourth-round TKO. I grew up in the 209, so I always root for the Diaz Brothers. [source]

Benji Radach: This is going to be an awesome fight, but I gotta pull for Diaz. Both fighters are talented, but I think Diaz’s boxing is going to deliver the victory.

 

Published on February 2, 2012 at 7:57 pm
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