Do you ever root for the "bad" guy?

[sanjosefuji]

"He's the most disrespectful human being I've ever met and I'm gonna put the worst beating you've ever seen on him in the UFC."

That's what Georges St-Pierre said about Nick Diaz after the Diaz-Penn fight back in October. Unfortunately... GSP is injured and won't have the opportunity to back up his words... at least not yet.


Instead, Carlos Condit will take on Diaz tomorrow night in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.


I'm writing as if I'm an expert on the subject... but really I know little about mixed martial arts & the fighters that represent the sport. Which is why I did my homework on Mr. Diaz... and from what I've heard, read, and seen... he tends to be portrayed as a "jerk" or the "bad" guy.


But back in November, I had the opportunity to meet Diaz at an autograph signing at Milo's Wide World of Sports Collectibles in San Jose... and he was as cool as ice.

He talked to his fans and took photos with them. An acquaintance of mine had over 70 items signed and Diaz didn't even flinch.


Collectors could get an 8x10, a photo op, and Nate's autograph for $20.


My buddy Mike helped promote the signing, so I ended up getting this personalized 8x10 for free...

Plus I picked up this 11x17...

for $10, because I helped out another guy by standing in line and getting things signed for him.


The winner of the Condit-Diaz fight will defend his title against St. Pierre... and there's nobody GSP would rather fight than Diaz. It doesn't look like a lot of people will be pulling for Diaz tomorrow night, but he'll have at least two people cheering for him: Me & GSP.

Are you a MMA fan? If so... who's your favorite fighter?

I've watched my share of fights and have a handful of MMA relics and autographs, however I can't exactly call myself a fan. A few years back, I was a little more into it... and actively cheered on Matt Hughes... and eventually cheered for B.J. Penn.


But tomorrow night... I'll be pulling for Stockton's own... Nick Diaz. Not because I want to root for the "bad" guy, but because I want to see GSP take on Nick for the title and witness the worst beating I'll ever see in the UFC.


Happy Friday everyone. I hope all of you had a great week. Sayonara!



More...

[key2win]

I think sometimes people have to portray the villain/heel role to get noticed and publicity. The Diaz brothers portray themselves that way, but in real life they may not be like that. As fans, we can only judge them by how they are seen on television.

[wheeler281]

I agree to a point but Nick has proven time and again outside of the cage his professional manners with the owner can be lack luster and apathetic/cocky..imo

[sanjosefuji]

I have students who do the same thing... act up, just to get attention. According to Colin at SCR, he does a lot for people in Stocton, which is pretty cool.

I think sometimes people have to portray the villain/heel role to get noticed and publicity. The Diaz brothers portray themselves that way, but in real life they may not be like that. As fans, we can only judge them by how they are seen on television.

Yeah... it would appear that Dana White and Diaz don't get along. And some of the stuff I've seen on YouTube is pretty bad... he definitely comes off as "disrespectful".

I agree to a point but Nick has proven time and again outside of the cage his professional manners with the owner can be lack luster and apathetic/cocky..imo

[DazedandConfused]

Of course..it makes it more fun.

[ocanseco55]

Nice read!