In a headscratcher, MMA Junkie reports that the UFC has rebooked Nick Diaz to fight against B.J. Penn as the co-main event for UFC 137.
This match was made after Diaz skipped out on his media obligations for UFC 137 and was replaced by Carlos Condit to fight GSP for the title. It was claimed that Diaz had missed several flights to the UFC pressers and could not be found. Diaz’s coach, Cesar Gracie, even added to the drama by calling White at the Vegas press conference stating Diaz was nowhere to be found. The pic of White at the dais on the phone was a nice “photo-op” as well. Gracie expressed dismay at Diaz’s failure to show. Yet, White was not committal on if Diaz was cut from the UFC altogether.
With Diaz’s reappearance in his YouTube video, the UFC promoted the video (via twitter) and murmurs of a shocking opponent for B.J. Penn began to stir. White announced the matchup on his twitter account.
Payout Perspective:
Why?
While Diaz-Penn should be an entertaining fight the booking for this card does not make sense. Why didn’t the UFC just fine Diaz for no-showing the press conferences instead of retooling the card? There is the issue that perhaps Diaz no-shows the fight and UFC 137 is a failure. Yet, here he is back on the same card with the same concern, and perhaps more, that he no-shows the fight.
If Diaz wins, doesn’t it mean that he should receive a shot at GSP? What happens then? For Diaz, its a career cluster. He had a title shot and now he doesn’t and has a chance of not getting it if he loses. Basically, he’s in an Anthony Pettis situation but Diaz did this to himself.
For the UFC, Nick Diaz has been an additional financial expense it was not planning on considering the $15,000 in plane tickets it spent on Diaz and the probable extra monetary compensation it gave Penn to take the Diaz fight. If you read into Penn’s tweet about being offered a “deal” he couldn’t refuse its likely Penn was given more money to take on Diaz last minute. Also, will Diaz be paid the same for the Penn fight as he would for GSP?
In pro-wrestling speak, this is known as a “work” or “swerve,” as we were sold on one matchup and given another. How soon did the UFC know it was doing this? There were many signs via twitter and internet that something was going to happen even after Diaz-GSP was called off. The disdain for Diaz not attending a press conference and one day later promoting him again seems a little weird.
BrainSmasher says
I agree with you Jason. I think there should have only been two choices. Leave the fights alone and fine Diaz or release him. You cant have a guy who is in a Rich Franklin position where he lost to Silva twice and could never fight for the title again. If Diaz can never headline an event he will only be knocking off contenders. If he is that much of a risk you have to release him. If he isnt a risk why was the fight changed?
What if this was all part of the UFC plan? Set this fight up if both get the win at 137. The anticipation builds for the fight. This cancellation just adds drama. Then when it is booked in the first half of 2012. You hvae FOX to promote it and maybe a whole new throng of fans to pull in with the story line.
Machiel Van says
Diaz will be paid A LOT less money for a non-title co-main event spot. I think that it was necessary to remove Diaz from the main event, since failing to do so would have set a precedent that high-profile fighters can get out of major media commitments if they choose. This would be a real hassle for the UFC in the long run. Retooling the card was probably the best thing they could’ve done because they’ve preserved a bolstering draw in BJ Penn, kept Penn active against a relative opponent, kept Diaz active with a match-up that should produce an exciting fight for PPV, and kept the event enticing for ticket and PPV purchasers. It’s not like Diaz committed some heinous slight against the organization, he just made a fool out of himself. Why cut an exciting fighter who can have several memorable fights against the elite of the UFC’s welterweight division? I think that moving forward, the UFC will just be prepared to work around Diaz’s lack of ability to promote.
Machiel Van says
In other words, this time it was somewhat of a shock, next time it will be expected and accounted for. In the end I’ve got to hand it to the UFC on this move: is anyone saying they’re NOT excited to see Penn vs Diaz? Or St. Pierre vs Condit?
Jack Frost says
They can’t risk having a champion that they can’t rely on to do these kinds of things. SF let him get away with it time and time again, now look where they are.
jv says
Well I remember many people saying that Coker was just couldn’t run his show and that if Dana was in the same boat he would make Nick bow before him. Turns out, not so much.
Greg says
penn vs diaz is an exciting fight. I cant’ wait for it. I have no interest in gsp vs. penn III, but I see that happening.
mmaguru says
From a business perspective it makes sense to try to at least salvage an already uninteresting card in the mainstream.
There is no turn for the UFC on PPV this year even with the FOX deal and with the recent announcements. If UFC was trading publicly, it would definitely be a sell right now.
No sites seem to be discussing the drop in UFC PPV sales or ticket sales in the US. Let’s see if they can rebound in 2012.
CodeMaster says
Withdrawing Diaz from the title match was a way for Dana to punish Nick Diaz for not abiding by his signed contract without firing him.
I have no doubt that Nick Diaz is looking at a reduced payday for fighting BJ Penn. (and Penn is looking at a much increased payday) Dana had to have thought to himself: What do I do if Nick Diaz becomes the WW champ, and he continues to not help promote his own fights at all?
Does Dana want to put himself in the position of having to fire the champ?
Switching the fight to BJ Penn softens the blow of losing the title match–as BJ Penn is a star in his own rite, and gives Nick a chance to reevaluate his behavior–plus, it makes money for the UFC. Switching opponents did not lessen the drawing power of the fights–and some say the matchups are better.
The problem is, if GSP wins and Penn wins–the third meeting between these two great fighters might not have legs–I am not sure most MMA fans look forward to it. If Diaz wins and GSP wins, but Diaz continues his self-destructive ways–Dana will be confronted with the dilemma of a very marketable fight–but one with risks. If Diaz wins, the UFC will not find it easy working with a champion Diaz.
If Condit wins decisively, it will open up the WW division–but if he wins by a close decision–a rematch is likely the next step.
If Diaz really ticks of Dana, he will give Diaz Jon Fitch in his next fight–and Fitch will school Diaz–as I believe many other top WW will do after Fitch.