Nick Diaz Sparring With Andre Ward, "Will Do Just Fine" In Boxing Says Melendez
by Nick Thomas on Apr 17, 2011 4:51 PM EDT
in Strikeforce News
Email
Print
Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez trains under Cesar Gracie with top UFC contender Jake Shields and Strikeforce welterweight champ Nick Diaz. Diaz has been talking about doing some pro boxing (which is allowed under his SF contract) and Melendez thinks he'll "do just fine":
"I think Nick (Diaz) is the type of guy who just likes to challenge himself personally. He does the ironman, that's why he did MMA and that's why he wants to do boxing. He wants something to motivate him. I don't think he cares what anyone thinks, win or lose. He just wants to challenge himself and that's what he's going to do. I think he's also put himself in a good situation where he has that bargaining chip now, maybe they're going to be forced to give him that top opponent to stay in MMA."
"I respect that he's going to do boxing and go outside his comfort zone and test himself. I think it's amazing and I think Fernando Vargas might be making a mistake. (With boxing) Just the dollar figure and all that as well, I don't know what the contract says; it's just going to be a lot more persuading and also might evolve the MMA game as well."
"I know I can't hang with (top level) pro boxers, I'm realistic, I know I'd get smashed. Nick Diaz goes (to) spar with Andre Ward and to me is the best 167 pounder in the world out there and he survives. He has bad days; he might even have good days and that's the toughest guy in the world. If he can hang with him and have good days against him, I think Nick Diaz will do just fine with someone like Fernando Vargas and a lot of guys out there. (Diaz) spars a lot of tough guys. He's already doing it, he's already there. He's also not naive about stuff, so I think it'll be great for him."
Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley coverage
Cesar Gracie: Nick Diaz needs a break from MMA, Jake Shields will submit GSP
86 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I like how Melendez says Diaz is doing it for the challenge, but when all you hear from Diaz’ mouth is “I’m doing it for the money,” I’m not so sure.
Legalize MMA in New York.
Legalize marijuana nationwide.
I don’t know if it’s just leverage though. He’s been complaining about money forever. He even said he’d quit MMA to just do triathlons if the pay was better.
Legalize MMA in New York.
Legalize marijuana nationwide.
I'd rather fight
nothing I hate more than running long distances
by taylormaio on Apr 17, 2011 8:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You gotta run long distances if you want to compete in MMA.
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
by RolloTomasi on Apr 18, 2011 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I see much truth in both of those statements.
Legalize MMA in New York.
Legalize marijuana nationwide.
by bcpjkell on Apr 17, 2011 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
We need a mole to sneak into one of those Diaz/ Ward sparring sessions and film it.
I would love to actually see Nick hold his own against Andre Ward, because I don’t believe it.
Just like James Toney almost submit King Mo.
Legalize MMA in New York.
Legalize marijuana nationwide.
by bcpjkell on Apr 17, 2011 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Do you really think Andre Ward is going to spar with guys that don’t give him a challenge?
by KIMURA420 on Apr 17, 2011 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
A little off topic but,
Here’s Anderson Silva in a pro boxing match.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbyKZoiyriM
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
At a little after the 6 min mark
He has the guy against the ropes and almost grabbed a Thai clinch it was hilarious.
I am vorn the unspeakable the skulls of those who defy me bleach in the suns of hundreds of worlds...... and you are
by Roman727 on Apr 17, 2011 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Sounds like this might actually happen?
Damn, I’ll pay to see it…
Don't let my support confuse you, I am in fact a fan of the Giants.
by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 17, 2011 5:10 PM EDT reply actions
I think Fernando Vargas might be making a mistake.
Yeah man! Because a guy who hasn’t fought in over 3 years is totally in it to win it!
Managing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 17, 2011 5:20 PM EDT reply actions
Well…given that Vargas was basically pulled from his “comeback fight” because he was still super fat and may have a bit of the ol brain damage…Diaz might be able to hang…but does that mean anything? No. And there’s no money in it. So…it’s not really “testing yourself” as far as I’m concerned
Managing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 17, 2011 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d still like to think Vargas has enough in the tank to put one on Nick’s not-really-invincible chin.
Of course, the only possible win here is if he’s dumb enough to box Mayorga.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Editor, HeadKickLegend.com
Contributor for CagesideSeats.com and Bloody Elbow Radio
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Apr 17, 2011 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Questioning Nicks chin?
ROFL he really showed a suspect chin in his last 4 fights.
Nick has an incredible chin.
One of the best in MMA.
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
by RolloTomasi on Apr 18, 2011 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Nick Diaz has Melendez buying his B.S..
Now 3 people think Diaz can win and/or hang with Vargas. I really like Diaz BUT this just goes to show that if you smoke enough weed you will permantly live in lala land. He needs to stick to MMA and try to make the jump to the UFC. All this talk doesn’t help his case and that is a shame.
this just goes to show that if you smoke enough weed you will permantly live in lala land.
You consider that maybe he’s just making empty threats, trying to help his bargaining chip in typical Nick Diaz fashion, instead of immediately concluding that marijuana is the cause of everything?
Legalize MMA in New York.
Legalize marijuana nationwide.
Perhaps he is just making empty threats.
But during interviews it does seem that he is way high. I knew a guy that smoked massive amounts of weed and although he was probably the nicest guy I’ve ever met he became “slow”. I don’t want to argue whether it was related to weed or not. FYI, I back your legalize weed stance. That said, I dont think Nick Diaz should be your poster boy!
by Fedornuthugger on Apr 17, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions
lots of things, including make me money
$65 GDP and $55 Snowcap 8ths if you’re interested
Legalize MMA in New York.
Legalize marijuana nationwide.
Aint that the truth.
I’ve lived on both coasts.
It’s much more easy to score cheap killer dank on the WC.
You can still get good shit in the EC but it generally coasts alittle more.
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
The best of the EC hardly compares to just alright on the WC
And then God created Saturn ... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
SaberCats Examiner | SB Nation Bay Area | Niners Nation | Twitter
lulz
Y’all are paying far too much.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Editor, HeadKickLegend.com
Contributor for CagesideSeats.com and Bloody Elbow Radio
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Apr 18, 2011 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions
This whole Nick Diaz to boxing thing is the silliest goddamn shit.
Nick, we know it is not happening. Not now. Not ever. Especially now that you are the strikeforce champ and under Zuffa’s umbrella. You are gonna be Oprah Rich if you keep winning. You might as well threaten to go play Professional Connect Four.
"Every time I talk on the phone with someone who doesn’t know me, they call me "ma’am"." - Scott C. Broussard
by Earl Montclair on Apr 17, 2011 5:50 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah its right along side professional Hungry Hungry Hippos
Legalize MMA in New York.
Legalize marijuana nationwide.
I'm off to quit my job.
I’ve got a dream to chase.
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
by RolloTomasi on Apr 17, 2011 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
That shit is cutthroat.
"Every time I talk on the phone with someone who doesn’t know me, they call me "ma’am"." - Scott C. Broussard
by Earl Montclair on Apr 17, 2011 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't you mean
HippoEatHippo?
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
by RolloTomasi on Apr 17, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don't understand why every thinks this is so unlikely
A. He beat a boxer at boxing in an mma fight
B. It’s not like he’s going to be fighting for a world title
C.His chin will be even better against boxing gloves and his style will score a lot of points
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
by Austin Martin on Apr 17, 2011 6:07 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
A. KJ noons is as much a boxer as chocolate is weight loss therapy. noons is a “boxer,” which means a guy with decent hands in MMA. he is nowhere near the level diaz is claiming he wants to fight.
B. true.
C. i’m fairly certain the boxing gloves will not play much of a difference. if anything, it would affect diaz’s peppering style as the gloves provide a better defense.
as for scoring points… you can throw a million punches in a round, and then get countered by one beautiful punch, and lose the round in boxing. diaz’s volume punching will have issues against counter punchers who can make him miss. the point is moot.
diaz is a great fighter, a big fan, but i would not put money on him if he fought a former contender. this is boxing. these men use their hands for a living.
You cannot walk if you fear to crush the ant in your wake.
Noons is 11-2 in professional boxing which is impressive no matter what, and Diaz beat him in what was essentially a boxing match.
The bigger gloves also help DIaz’s defense, also he doesn’t have to worry about checking leg kicks.
Natural talent can persevere over preparation. Diaz has struck with the best strikers in mma, which has to have some carryover. I wouldn’t doubt he could fight one of the guys they’re proposing.
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
by Austin Martin on Apr 17, 2011 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Noons is 11-2 in professional boxing which is impressive no matter what
No it isn’t, absolutely not; there is not one name in that series of wins that comes even remotely close to making him “immpressive”.
"All the time he's boxing, he's thinking. All the time he was thinking, I was hitting him." - Jack Dempsey
www.badlefthook.com
by Drunken cutman on Apr 18, 2011 6:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have to agree
Noons only fought 6 round bouts, against opponents with a combined 60-67-9 record…
Who's the only one here who knows illegal ninja moves from the government?
"That dude was legit, ponytails are a sign of nobility." TheFilt™
Kinda sounds like
a stretch in Fedors career.
far from it
Fedor one liners stink of desperation
Who's the only one here who knows illegal ninja moves from the government?
"That dude was legit, ponytails are a sign of nobility." TheFilt™
because
A. KJ Noons’ best day is not even close to Vargas, Mayorga or Jeff Lacy’s worst day.
B. If he’s not fighting for a title or against someone relevant there is no way he makes $175k+
C. In case you haven’t noticed, boxers get KTFO too… Good boxers, with good chins.
B. I wouldn’t doubt that this could be a PPV and get like 50,000 buys if it was a strong enough card. If Diaz is a headliner or co headliner he could probably make somewhere in the area he makes in mma.
U C O N N Huskies
2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Champs!
by Austin Martin on Apr 17, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m going to compare Diaz’s purported success in boxing sparring with James Toney’s purported success in MMA training (he subbed King Mo! Lol!)
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Editor, HeadKickLegend.com
Contributor for CagesideSeats.com and Bloody Elbow Radio
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Apr 17, 2011 6:52 PM EDT reply actions
James Toney has no wrestling or submission skill like at all. Like some of us here have more training in the field.
Some of us here could outwrestle and maybe submit James Toney as long as he cant box us lol. But i doubt any of us here can outbox Nick Diaz. I think that comparison might be a little harsh and off.
by Papercut Elbow on Apr 18, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Team Gracie is all about surprises
And I can realistically see Diaz not only being tough enough to hang with Vargas, but do some serious damage on him. Remember, those aren’t pitter patter punches. They’re pitter patter punches with the occasional power punch.
Nick can be a pro boxer. He def has the chops
But he’s never going to be p4p or top-10 or top 20 in his class or whatever. Thats not the point though. He’ll make a crap load more money in one boxing fight than he could even if he went to the UFC. Promoters will be lining up to pay Nick. “Watch MMA guy get smashed” would be a seller. Thre
by mortarz on Apr 17, 2011 7:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
It seems to me that average professional boxers have better hands than guys with elite mma boxing. I feel like Diaz gets lit up badly by anyone worth a shit. And honestly, if Nick wants to go pull a James Toney, I say good riddance.
"Every time I talk on the phone with someone who doesn’t know me, they call me "ma’am"." - Scott C. Broussard
by Earl Montclair on Apr 17, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Depending on the weight class he'll be ok
Andre Ward is no freaking joke and if he spars regularly he’ll be fine against your average boxer or washed up champs hell be be fine. Anyone who thinks Nicks voyage into boxing willl go down like Toneys did in the UFC are out of their damn mind. Toney being a fat, old, washed up fighter who had done zero training in grappling is not an apt comparison to a young kid in elite physical condition and has been training with champion boxers for a few years
by mortarz on Apr 17, 2011 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
First off, color me shocked that someone’s training partner is hyping up their abilities or potential.
Secondly, Randy has trained with boxers for years. He was a boxer in the army. He even said there was no way he would take a boxing fight against the “fat, washed-up” James Toney. I believe the quote went something like this: “I think taking a boxing fight against James would be as stupid as him fighting me in an MMA fight”
I’m just not buying this lame stunt from Daz.
"Every time I talk on the phone with someone who doesn’t know me, they call me "ma’am"." - Scott C. Broussard
by Earl Montclair on Apr 17, 2011 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Randy is scared homie
Randy is 45 or whatever. Why the hell would he want to make a crossover when he gets ppv revenue fighting in the ufc? Because Randy doesnt want to risk it is absolutely no reason to assume Diaz wont be successful.
Okay, homie. Mark my words. If Diaz steps into a boxing ring he will get his shit handed to him. If he doesn't, I will eat my underwear
"Every time I talk on the phone with someone who doesn’t know me, they call me "ma’am"." - Scott C. Broussard
by Earl Montclair on Apr 17, 2011 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Cartman...
Has Schiavello gone bizarro evil?
by John Danaher's Hair on Apr 17, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Not invincible Chin?
Man you could at least act like you watch non-zuffa fights. Yeah he really showed a non rock solid chin in his last 4 fights, 3 of which he was cracked hard.
I am assuming this is a reply fail here
"Every time I talk on the phone with someone who doesn’t know me, they call me "ma’am"." - Scott C. Broussard
by Earl Montclair on Apr 17, 2011 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Can't we just throw Nick a blanket?
http://unintelligentdefense.blogspot.com
What's he supposed to say?
“Diaz sucks really hard and he gets pwned every time in the ring with a decent boxer”?
I like Gil Melendez and all, but this is right up there with your trainer calling you the best fighter ever.
by Christopher Bradley on Apr 17, 2011 7:42 PM EDT reply actions
Cesar Gracies is really an egotistical douche-nozzle. Why is Jake Shields going to win? Because of the striking coaches that Cesar has set him up with. I will say, though, that he’s the perfect coach for his team.
by John Danaher's Hair on Apr 17, 2011 8:12 PM EDT reply actions
Damn.
Harsh words for someone you don’t even know.
What would you like Ceasar to say? “Jake is gonna get blasted by GSP.”
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
I'm a bit preplexed by this statement
Harsh words for someone you don’t even know.
You’ve never made a qualitative statement about anyone in any post, ever? What I wrote was far from being that harshest thing ever written about an individual on this site, so I’m not sure why you singled this comment out to express what you did.
There are many positive things to say about Jake Shields without Cesar inserting himself. Saying that Jake’s chances vs. GSP were good because he “hooked him up” with various coaches is just a very strange thing to say. My assessment of his being a douche-nozzle is based on many more examples than this, including telling Guillard to go to Columbia and buy some coke. Funny? Yes. Becoming of one in his position, I’d say no. You never hear other trainers saying the kind of shit Cesar does, which makes him the perfect coach for a team of undisciplined thugs (save Shields).
by John Danaher's Hair on Apr 17, 2011 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Cmon man,
You called him
an egotistical douche-nozzle.
I mean….damn.
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
by RolloTomasi on Apr 18, 2011 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I met him a couple times at Jiu Jitsu seminars and he was great to me, but w/e.
Learn JiuJitsu, it's fun.
by RolloTomasi on Apr 18, 2011 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Thats not funny.
My assessment of his being a douche-nozzle is based on many more examples than this, including telling Guillard to go to Columbia and buy some coke.
Also you misspelled Colombia. He didn’t mean Columbia University.
by Papercut Elbow on Apr 18, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
ok spelling police...but
He actually said that. And I buy all my blow at Columbia.
by John Danaher's Hair on Apr 20, 2011 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm sorry...
but I just watched the video and couldn’t hear anything because Schiavello’s offensively desultory blonde facial hair is assualing my ears. Damn you synaesthesia !
by John Danaher's Hair on Apr 17, 2011 8:21 PM EDT reply actions
People who use "HE TRAINS WITH A GREAT BOXER!" as a talking point need to see a live sparring session before using that
There is absolutely no way Andre Ward is going 100% in a sparring session against Nick Diaz and not destroying him. I doubt Ward goes anything close to full speed against him.
Bloody Elbow Radio analyst
Follow me on Twitter. Act like you know.
Also, unless someone signs Nick to a long-term promotional contract, he will make peanuts in boxing.
Of course this is all moot since it will never happen.
Bloody Elbow Radio analyst
Follow me on Twitter. Act like you know.
by Forrest Lynn on Apr 17, 2011 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Diaz thousands more fans than any average
Tom Zibikowski makes more than 90% of ufc fighters and he hadnt fought in like 4 years and only his second pro fight and he is fighting washed up bums. Stop talking about of ur a$$
Nick Diaz is bluffing
Or seriously delusional.
"All the time he's boxing, he's thinking. All the time he was thinking, I was hitting him." - Jack Dempsey
www.badlefthook.com
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bloody Elbow
Related FanShots on Bloody Elbow
![The Master Cleanse.
– Is Nick Diaz looking for another cleanse "ritual"?
– "He was surprised he tested positive," Gracie said. "He does the same ritual every fight for the last five years. He stops it in time and he cleanses his system, works out like crazy, drinks a lot of water and purges his system of it" [Cesar Gracie] via bloodyelbow.com
– Is "NickDiaz209" really Nick Diaz's YouTube account?
Here's a video of MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani asking Diaz about the account.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33UO_ksPgkY
– starts @ 09:57
via YouTube [NickDiaz209]](http://cdn2.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/240628/gzHF_small.jpeg)
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
MMA Rankings
