MMA Weekly reports that Nick Diaz did not appear at his scheduled jiu jitsu superfight against Braulio Estima this weekend. Diaz was in the main event which was held at the World Jiu Jitsu Expo this weekend in Long Beach, California.
The fights were available online on via live stream for $9.95 with Diaz as the selling point for the card.
Cesar Gracie explained on his web site (via MMA Weekly) that Diaz’s absence at the event was due in part to mishandling of the event. The crux of the explanation was that Diaz wanted to grapple with a jiu jitsu practitioner and not an individual aspiring to be an MMA fighter. According to Gracie, it was represented that Estima was not training for MMA. However, it was relayed later that Estima was planning to be an MMA fighter. Also, Gracie explained that Estima was having issues making weight which apparently was the last straw. Despite no-showing, Gracie stated Diaz donated money to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital in the amount of money he would have made for the superfight.
Payout Perspective:
No-showing this past weekend probably hurt the Nick Diaz brand. But, then again, this behavior is normal for Diaz. Gracie’s explanation sheds some light on what could have been the problem causing Diaz not to participate Saturday. Certainly, Diaz’s absence hurt the event as many relied on his appearance — sponsors, vendors, fans in attendance and those purchasing the live stream online. Diaz’s explanation is plausible and his demand not to meet a grappler aspiring to be in MMA makes sense from Diaz’s point of view.
From a public relations perspective, it seems like Diaz, not Gracie, could have made the statement about the reasons for not appearing. Regardless of the management of the event or the promises given about his opponent, many people relied on Diaz to appear at the event. Even if he were to decline participation and just show up to sign autographs and/or conduct a demonstration it would save face. With the no-show, it continues the stigma that Diaz does not play the game and hurts future appearance opportunities.
Diaz is a scumbag. But thats what you get when you deal with this guy and expect him to come through. There is no excuse for his actions. even if you have reasons to be unhappy(which i dont see) there is proper ways to deal with them. That fact that this isnt Diaz making this announcement shows people are trying to cover for him while he still refuses to ever do the right thing. Really the only thing Gracie can do is pass on complaints that Diaz has mentioned during the ordeal. But as we all know with Deal that may not be the real excuse.
What in the world does Estima wanting to try MMA have to do with them grappling? Sounds like Diaz was just inventing reasons to run off like he always seems to do when there is pressure. He just took his ball and went home. I dont see why it was so hard to get out on the mat and roll. I rolled with a Brown belt the first time i ever steped on a mat in BJJ class. Its the same thing Diaz does for hours in training. He cant roll when he give his word and when it is for charity?
Nick Diaz has legit psychological problems. Everyone is different. Plus he gave the hospital the purse money. Ease up off the man.
How does that make it better? People dont have to take your crap just because you want to label yourself with some excuse. IF he has problems then he needs to get out of combat sports. making a donation doesnt put the $10 back in the pockets of the people who bought the PPV. It dont give people the hours or money they spend to see this event and got screwed. It dont help all the Promoters who got screwed because he cried like a baby and went home. Yes everyone is different and everyone is the way they are for a reason. But that doesnt mean everyone has to be effected by you and your problems. Murderers are the way they are for a reason too and they are different. But at the same time there is a consequence for killing someone. Just as their is a consequence for being a moron like Diaz. So i wont easy off the man because being man is dealing with your problems and taking your punishment. Criticism is what you deal with when you make poor choices. He will be lucky if that is the only punishment he has to deal with from this.