UFC 143: Carlos Condit vs Nick Diaz **incl Michael Kuiper vs Rafael Natal **

**Kemal** · 02-02-2012, 06:58

**Kemal** · 02-02-2012, 06:59

**rollermanskunk** · 02-02-2012, 22:03

Die Roy Nelson lijkt per UFC steeds meer op Hagrid uit Harry Potter

**Chane** · 03-02-2012, 08:37

Hoe goed is Michael Kuiper eigenlijk?
Gaat ie winnen? Hoop t wel iig... cool weer n Nederlander in de UFC

**Kemal** · 03-02-2012, 09:07

Nick Diaz 'Sick' of Georges St-Pierre Overshadowing Carlos Condit

One thing can be certain after Thursday afternoon's UFC 143 press conference: Nick Diaz has a great deal of respect for Carlos Condit. Breaking custom, he even shook Condit's hand after the two posed for photographers at the conclusion of the event, held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. It was a noticeable change for Diaz, who has flipped off, shoved and otherwise attempted to menace several prospective opponents in the days before a fight.

But this Diaz was different: quiet, mellow and reserved. There were no outbursts or complaints about respect. There were no scathing criticisms of anything surrounding the sport. In fact, he saved his only prolonged oration to defend his opponent.

Yes, Diaz came to the side of Condit, after being asked about Georges St-Pierre overshadowing Condit in the lead-up to UFC 143. "Yeah, I think it makes me sick," he said. "This is Carlos’ time to be here, and to be a part of this main event. This is ... half of the show is built up around me fighting Georges St-Pierre. But that's not [right]. I’m fighting Carlos Condit. So, I don't like it."

As Diaz observed, St-Pierre has been noticeably visible during event week, even holding court with reporters on Wednesday to offer a status update on his injured knee. Of course, he also spoke about the UFC 143 main event, saying that he "hopes and prays" Diaz wins, so that he eventually gets to fight him.

Because of that, along with the contrasting archetypes the two represent, Condit has been something of an odd-man out, even though he has the chance to play spoiler to the story line and capture the interim welterweight title in the process.

Diaz reiterated his belief that Condit is actually a more dangerous foe than St-Pierre is, meaning that quite literally. As in, Condit is much more likely to do physical harm in an octagon than St-Pierre is.

"You’re more in danger of losing a decision to Georges St-Pierre," he said. "I think you’re more in danger of losing your teeth if you're fighting Condit here."

Aside from those two telling answers, Diaz seemed a bit unengaged in the proceedings, asking reporters to repeat questions on at least two occasions. Contrary to his normal, digressive speaking style, he was short and concise, rarely offering more than a one-sentence response.

Of course, that's not that unusual for fighters who are making their final weight cut, but Diaz is facing a whole new level of scrutiny as he's ascended up the welterweight rankings and become seen as a real threat to St-Pierre.

All of that buildup will essentially be wasted if Condit pulls the mild upset (Diaz is about a 2-to-1 favorite). Condit has won 12 of his last 13 fights, so the suggestion that the fight is a gimme for Diaz is a ridiculous assertion.

Condit himself admitted that at times, it's felt that the St-Pierre vs. Diaz fight is being planned "before this one even happens," but likes his chances of playing spoiler. Regardless, he suggested that while fans may be clamoring for St-Pierre vs. Diaz, they may be missing a gem right under their noses.

"I expect a war," he said. "Honestly, Nick is probably the toughest dude I've ever fought. He's well-rounded, he has a pretty dynamic skill set. He's pretty similar to me. We both come to fight. No matter who wins, fans are going to win because it’s going to be a phenomenal fight."

**Kemal** · 03-02-2012, 20:21

UFC 143 Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights

LAS VEGAS -- UFC 143's top stars met with the media at the UFC 143 pre-fight press conference. Find out what Nick Diaz, Carlos Condit and others had to say Thursday afternoon. Watch the highlights below.

http://assets.mmafighting.vid.io/5f4...86230440ba.mp4

**sun-tsu** · 03-02-2012, 20:30

waaaaaaaaar diaaaaaaaaaaaaz

**Kemal** · 03-02-2012, 20:35

**Kemal** · 03-02-2012, 20:42

**Kemal** · 03-02-2012, 20:43

**Kemal** · 03-02-2012, 20:44

**Kemal** · 03-02-2012, 20:44

**Kemal** · 03-02-2012, 20:45

**redjuh** · 03-02-2012, 20:51

helemaal niets te zien van onze landgenoot dan, behalve de 1ste die op de weegschaal mag staan en morgen op fb??

**123trisweat** · 03-02-2012, 23:29

Geniet steeds meer van de Diaz bro. Open workout was ook respectvol zeker op het eind. En wat trapt hij makkelijk (tae kwondon?) Als Nick hier in Nl nog wat kKB lessen neemt wordt ie nog completer of niet?

**redjuh** · 04-02-2012, 00:16

weigh-ins beginnen zometeen hier: http://www.ufc.com/media/ufc-143-weigh-in-archive

**Westpaw** · 04-02-2012, 01:10

Wat oogt ie jong Michael Kuiper, ik hoop erg dat hij het goed gaat doen.

**Kemal** · 04-02-2012, 06:14

UFC 143 Weigh-In Results: Diaz, Condit on Target

For the first time since 2008, a man other than Georges St. Pierre will lay claim to the UFC's welterweight strap.

Welterweight headliners Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit both made weight during Friday's UFC 143 weigh-ins at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, rendering their interim title tilt official. No stranger to championships bouts, Condit managed to hit his mark perfectly, tipping the scales at 169 pounds. Diaz quickly followed suit, skimming the welterweight limit at 169 pounds to a chorus of cheers from the adoring Las Vegas audience.

Diaz was markedly tempered throughout the proceedings, especially considering his well-documented aversion to weigh-ins. "I'm ready to take my ass-whooping," he declared. "It's whatever."

Likewise, Condit appeared to be high spirits. "Nick Diaz is the toughest guy I've ever fought," he coolly stated. "I'm as prepared as I've ever been. I can't wait to get out there and do this thing."

Elsewhere on the main card, Roy Nelson continued his commitment to a sleeker figure, tipping the scales at a trim 246 pounds. His opponent, Fabricio Werdum, marked the end of a three-and-a-half year UFC sabbatical by similarly registering in at 246 pounds.

Meanwhile, Mike Pierce played heavily to the crowd's dislike of welterweight rival Josh Koscheck. After weighing in at 170 pounds, Pierce donned a blonde Koscheck-esque wig, which instantly incensed the former All-American. Both fighters had to be separated by UFC President Dana White.

Full weigh-in results are below.

Main Card (Pay-Per-View):
Nick Diaz (169) vs. Carlos Condit (169)
Roy Nelson (246) vs. Fabricio Werdum(246)
Josh Koscheck (170) vs. Mike Pierce (170)
Renan Barao (136) vs. Scott Jorgensen (135)
Ed Herman (185) vs. Clifford Starks (185)

Preliminary Card (FX):
Dustin Poirier (146) vs. Max Holloway (144)
Alex Caceres (136) vs. Edwin Figueroa (135)
Matt Brown (171) vs. Chris Cope (171)
Matt Riddle (170)vs. Henry Martinez (169)

Preliminary Card (Facebook):
Dan Stittgen (170) vs. Stephen Thompson (171)
Rafael Natal (186) vs. Michael Kuiper (183)