Condit out. Diaz in against PENN!!!!

HOLY CRAP, I'm surprised as hell. I guess we'll see if Diaz shows up for the press conferences and other promo events now. Can Penn cope with the volume punching? Can Diaz stop Penn from taking him down. Most importantly, will it go to the ground and whose BJJ is superior.

I think I'm more excited for this fight than for the main event.

 

But can he box better than Diaz? He has faster hands but Diaz has the reach and spars pro boxers regularly. I'm not convinced his BJJ is better either. Diaz has pulled many submissions out, and he constantly goes for them. Perhaps it is unfair to compare because their competition has been markedly different.

 

BJ made Kenny Florian look like a white belt when he dumped him, he'd probably submit Diaz as well, Diaz is too aggressive and would allow his guard to be passed to easily going for armbars and stuff on the ground.

I'd give a big boxing advantage to Diaz because of height and reach. Although BJ could easily knock him out.

 

Diaz has never subbed anyone in MMA as good as Kenny Florian.

If Penn ends up in top position, I think Nick's night is over. BJ is too good at passing and putting guys in terrible positions. And as TLC said, Diaz will be aggressive from the bottom which will actually help Penn end up in a dominant position.

My record on here as being a huge Nick Diaz fan is clear. However, I don't see how he can beat Penn. Even on their feet I think Nick's swarming, volume punching style will get him knocked out. Penn, when he's on, is one of the better counter punchers in MMA. Without the fear of Diaz taking him down, Penn will outclass Diaz in the boxing.

I see Penn winning a 3 round decision in which Diaz ends up bleeding like a stuck pig.

 

Penn is the best guy Diaz will have ever fought. Penn has destroyed guys that Diaz lost too, and I know he has improved most of his game, but his glaring weakness is still the same, his TDD is garbage. Penn will do what ever he wants in this fight. If it gets uncomfortable standing, he will take him down with ease. I would however favor Diaz in a 5 round fight, Penn is lucky it's a 3 rounder. He should have enough in the gas tank to win a decision by putting Diaz on his back.

 

Penn is slowing down though, and Diaz has good handspeed AND reach. I'm not saying I'd definitely pick Diaz, but Penn has seen better days and has trouble against speed and movement. It's interesting to think about.

 

Man, you make it sound like Diaz moves well and has blazing hand speed. He doesn't. He has great reach and throws a lot of punches. But his technique is shitty and most of his shots are telegraphed with a Paul Revere type of advanced warning.

The only question I have is IF Nick's chin holds up can his pressure and cardio make things bad for Penn in the 3rd.

 

Diaz isn't Frankie Edgar with his movement though, he pretty much stalks and comes right at you and leaves plenty of openings.

 

Diaz's handspeed is completely average, and yeah he just walks you down, he has no real movement to speak of.

His boxing is as dominant as it is in MMA because he is a completely fearless volume puncher, he just overwhelms people, and as awkward as they look, his punches are strangely accurate.

 

Penn is still much quicker of foot and hand than Diaz. As far as Penn struggling with speed, he's had trouble with footspeed, but Diaz' is slow as molasses and is lumbering.

 

My guess is Diaz isn't going to stand right there. He'll make Penn work for his meal.

 

This was some SNEAKY swap of opponents goin' on here...:crafty:

BJ Penn won't last the distance with Diaz...

 

When has Diaz not stood right in front of his opponents. Even against Daley who has Bo other skills other than knocking someone's block off, he stood right in front of him.

 

Exactly, I have no idea why he thinks Diaz is going to suddenly start moving against Penn, unless he thinks it's a good gameplan from the Edgar fights. That's equally unlikely though, Diaz is the type of fighter that just fights his fight.

I actually have a feeling Diaz beats Penn though. I think Penn is nowhere near as good as he used to be, and I think Diaz matches up OK with him stylistically, and is bigger.