Nick Diaz competes at the XTERRA Pacific Championship last May, completing the triathlon in just 3 hours and 8 minutes. -- Photo via deltavelo.com
Nick Diaz and his trademark style of fighting will always be known for that high work-rate, volume punches, and unrelenting pace. He goes in there, he'll be taking punishment, but he will more-often than not, he will be able to sustain an incredible pace and will be able to outwork his opponent.
He's been doing that for years and will be riding an 11-fight winning streak heading to the weekend. One of the keys to that style has always been his elite level of conditioning, and Diaz says, that gives him the mental edge over his opponents:
"Fighters are afraid of conditioning, they are afraid of getting tired, but I don't want to have anxiety or be afraid of anything. I can go 100 percent out there and never have to worry about getting tired. Everybody says fighting is 90 percent mental, and it's true. Knowing you can go 15 minutes or 25 minutes without any problem can help you sustain that mental advantage over your opponent."
More after the jump.
SBN coverage of UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit
Unlike most fighters who go through all these insane conditioning workouts in camp to get them ready, Diaz says he does all of that and more during his "off season", leaving him more time to work on fine tuning his MMA game during the lead up to the event:
"I just like to race. It gives me something to build for. During the triathlon season, I'll probably race every two weeks. I get stronger and stronger when building up to the race. After a race, a lot of people will crash and take their foot off the gas, but I'll keep building and building until I have to fight. I have a reason not to crash, and I try to keep the ball rolling until fight night."
"Doing the races keeps me in shape. By the time a fight comes around, I'm already in shape and ready to go. I don't have to get in shape for fights. When I am in the gym, I train mixed martial arts, I don't need to train to get in shape. I am already in shape."
That doesn't mean that during camp he completely forgets about his triathlon workouts though.
"If I'm not running, I'm going to go for a swim or go on a bike ride. I don't like being stationary at any point during training."
Not really surprising, coming from a guy who has gone on record saying he'd actually leave MMA if he can get paid a lot for triathlons.
Diaz will be taking on Carlos Condit, and when both guys go toe-to-toe this weekend, their style of fighting pretty much guarantees to be one of the most entertaining bouts this year no matter who comes out victorious. Both guys have excellent conditioning, both are tough and gritty as hell, but if the 5-round affair gets decided on who has the deeper gas tank, don't expect Diaz to be the one who falters.
2 recs | 72 comments
Gotta respect this guy's work ethic
Chris Groves - February 2, 2012
Absolutely. I wish more MMA fighters took conditionning as seriously as Diaz does.
As an aside, anyone knows how GSP gets his cardio level so high? And in a spirited 5 round fight, do you think GSP would tire before Diaz? I can’t remember GSP ever tiring out, and he’s been in plenty of 25 minute fights, although he’s almost always dictating where the fight takes place and its pace… I have to think that fighting Diaz would bring the most out of him than ever before and he could possibly tire out. I really can’t wait to see that fight.
Shnak - February 2, 2012
You might have to wait to see that fight
Condit isn’t going to make this easy for Diaz
Quick Ben - February 2, 2012
That’s what I’m hoping, really, as I like Condit a lot more. Let’s just say I won’t be disappointed no matter who wins. If Condit’s got what it takes to beat Diaz, than he certainly has what it takes to make it interesting against GSP. And vice versa.
Shnak - February 2, 2012
In a fight, who knows? But in terms of running, swimming, etc. Diaz could outlast GSP six days a week and twice on Sundays.
Machiel Van - February 2, 2012
GSP has been tired in fights before.
RolloTomasi - February 2, 2012
It's very interesting
Because GSP doesn’t train straight strength and conditioning…according to him. He doesn’t lift weights for anything other than looks and etc.
He has this whole philosophy that all MMA fighters are athletes and are all in great condition, but that the guys who get tired are the ones that don’t fight effectively or efficiently…and if you DO fight the right way, you won’t get tired.
Which, just hearing that…you would think that as soon as a fight starts to go the wrong way for GSP and things are done to him that he doesn’t want, or he isn’t able to do what he wants in the fight…that he would start to fade.
But even beyond that, in a straight cardio match I believe I would take Diaz…he works on it an absurd amount…it almost isn’t even funny, it’s like he is a cardio guy who trains MMA.
Chris Groves - February 2, 2012
Are you really this naive? Really? You know he was saying that as a joke, right?
Shnak - February 2, 2012
Dude I thought he was being serious
Rogan even re-mentioned it once saying that…and HE seemed earnest about it.
Chris Groves - February 2, 2012
Thanks for the insult though.
Chris Groves - February 2, 2012
No problem.
Shnak - February 2, 2012
Me too pal
gsp doesn’t crack many jokes let alone subtle ones like shnak (prick) is implying.
InternetRacist - February 2, 2012
Love the name “Internet Racist”
VeeisAnimated - February 2, 2012
Doesn't seem like he's fucking around here
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/12/10/1867691/ufc-124-preview-georges-st-pierre-i-dont-believe-in-strength-and
Chris Groves - February 2, 2012
But whatever, maybe he is lying and I mistakingly took it as true
Had never had any reason to believe he was flat out lying, and going THAT in depth with his answers to Rogan about it…just for a bit of a laugh.
I mean, I know GSP is known for his crazy interviews and the shenanigans he always pulls when asked questions…but I thought he was being honest.
fuck.
Chris Groves - February 2, 2012
He had to be joking. I don’t believe him for a second. For instance, he’s said before that he does gymnastics because it helps his core strength and flexibility.
Shnak - February 2, 2012
Are you saying gymnastics doesn't help with that?
Or that he doesn’t do gymnastics?
menckenstein - February 2, 2012
What I’m saying is that he said himself he does gymnastics to help his core strength and flexibility, which is obviously true. Doing gymnastics is essentially doing strength training… He knows that doing these gymnastics training exercises will help him be a better MMA fighter. He’s not doing these training exercises to look good.
Shnak - February 2, 2012
Nah mang,
GSP wasn’t joking. I’ve heard many other fighters say the same thing about weight-lifting and all that.
VeeisAnimated - February 2, 2012
100% sure he wasn't serious
His trainers talk about the importance of the Olympic lifting regimen he uses.
TheFilt - February 2, 2012
Just google his strength trainer
Johnathan Chaimberg.
TheFilt - February 2, 2012
I recall hearing him say he did weight lifting to look good
There’s PLENTY of good strength and coniditioning regimens that don’t include weightlifting.
menckenstein - February 2, 2012
Exactly. He does strength and conditionning, of course he does. What he said was that he doesn’t believe in weight lifting per say… that when he does lift weights, it’s to look good, not to improve himself as a fighter. And that, I can understand his viewpoint. But to say that GSP doesn’t believe in strength and conditionning is ridiculous.
Shnak - February 2, 2012
Agreed. It seems like Groves earlier point wasn’t clear.
Oh yeah, Good morning people!
VeeisAnimated - February 2, 2012
A hypertrophy progam
Doesn’t feature low-rep Oly lifts, triples on bench and pull-ups, and depth jumps. We have tons of footage of Georges training now, and he does nothing resembling an aesthetics-based workout.
Seneca Savoie - February 2, 2012
Then that's where he was probably joking.
I wouldn’t include that in my released training footage if I was doing that anyway.
menckenstein - February 2, 2012
This
This. This. This.
TheFilt - February 2, 2012
He may not do straight weight lifting
or just running, but he definitely does S&C stuff, and has a coach for it and everything. I’m not sure what he was trying to say in that interview, or if he was trying to sound tough or just to make the point that good technique is best way to avoid being gassed.
But GSP definitely does lots of S&C work.
jhf884 - February 2, 2012
Olympic Lifts
During one of the shows before his fights, Hardy I believe, they were showing him doing olympic lifts, he was doing snatches.
Snatches will give you aesthetics in the regard that any lifting or strength training will do, but it is a functional look, not made like a bench press or curl which has an aesthetic focus as well.
All top level athletes in combat sports are using strength training – all that caveman training or even partner carries is building strength to aid in striking, grappling, and takedowns.
RJK256 - February 2, 2012
Forgot about that, thanks!
basically, GSP was full of sh** in that interview!
jhf884 - February 2, 2012
Reminds me of Randy Couture.
If I’m right he was always moving, constantly doing some form of exercise and I am unable to recall a fight with him gassing badly.
Obviously5Believers - February 2, 2012
How recent is that picture?
I’ve never seen him with tattoos. Or are those something else?
some schmuck in texas - February 2, 2012
read the caption!
last may. Now I can’t help but wonder what those marks on his arms are.
some schmuck in texas - February 2, 2012
It´s his race numbers
They normally mark contestants on these races on their arms
Hugin - February 2, 2012
much appreciated
some schmuck in texas - February 2, 2012
No problemo
Hugin - February 3, 2012
Ditto what Hugin said.
To be honest, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen race numbers that fancy. Typically it’s just a number scribbled on using a Sharpie by a volunteer before the race.
Michael Hatamoto - February 2, 2012
If the fight was gonna last 5 rounds this would be an edge...
But he’s fighting Condit not GSP so I think his endurance and stamina isn’t the deciding factor…I’m going with Condit.
RECE ROCK - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Diaz's cardio is through the roof.
It was the most prominent thing that gave him the edge in the BJ Penn fight. Once Penn started to feel even slightly tired, Diaz was able to turn it up a notch. I don’t think he’ll ever face an opponent that can match his gas tank. I’m sure GSP and Condit have fantastic conditioning, but Diaz is on another level entirely.
But that’s not to say Diaz can’t be beaten. I believe GSP can out wrestle him to a decision victory. However, I’m not so sure Condit has what it takes to best Diaz – it’s unlikely that he’ll knock him out or box him. Maybe a stoppage due to cuts. That’s the only way Condit emerges victorious, in my eyes.
@KatanaClothing - February 2, 2012
This was an email interview, right?
There’s no way these statements came straight from Nick’s mouth like that.
menckenstein - February 2, 2012
Same thing I was thinking, haha.
Violent Newt - February 2, 2012
I honestly don’t understand how anybody could like Condit more than Diaz. Diaz is an all action socially awkward thug with a personality disorder and is the personification of pure violence. Condit is a talented but pretty much run of the mill cage fighter by numbers type.
Due to Condits size technique and power he has a decent chance and I only have Nick as the slight favourite but Nick Diaz as the WW champ is the best thing that could happen to the UFC right now.
Iv actually been a fan of Nicks since his first UFC run and never really liked Nate much. But with Nates recent evolution to Nick version 2 I’d love nothing more than to see them both as champs in 2012. That’s what the UFC needs. Them two as champs would draw a lot of attention to the sport and bring over loads of actual fight fans worldwide, rather than weirdos that just like to see two muscular north American guys wrassle each other. To wrap up. WAR NICK DIAZ!!!!
peet cassidy - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Actually, the last thing the UFC needs is someone they can’t rely on as their champion. The champion, especially at WW, one of their most popular divisions, has to be able to represent the sport well, participate in events like when the UFC signed with Fox, Q&A sessions, press conferences and what-not. Does that sound like Nick Diaz to you?
Shnak - February 2, 2012
I think the UFC has more than enough champions. They don’t have to necessarily rely on one awkward wayward fighter. The HW and LHW are pretty popular enough.
VeeisAnimated - February 2, 2012
Unless Nick Diaz became a Lesnar-level draw, which he won’t, the UFC is not going to tolerate his insolent behavior when it comes to making appearances at events. If they let him do no-show important events, future champs might get the wrong idea when they become champion and copy what he does There is a reason why they pulled him out of the GSP fight the first time.
amendamatrix - February 2, 2012
Nick Diaz as champ would be massive for the UFC
He could pick up the baton that Chuck dropped, and be THE great white hope of MMA. Look at this PPV for example, it’s all on Nick’s shoulders. Roy, Carlos and Kos are all b-level draws for the UFC. There’s nothing propping up this event except Nick’s shoulders. I hope he’s getting paid what he deserves.
Bill P. - February 2, 2012
Because GSP isn't a draw at all...
KingBrody - February 2, 2012
He was. But it's obvious the tides are turning on him.
Bill P. - February 2, 2012
I don’t think it is obvious. He gets flak from message boarders like you and me, but is the number one draw with Lesnar out of the picture. You can’t argue that point.
Also, looking for a “great white hope” in a sport with a bunch of white champions?
KingBrody - February 2, 2012
The great white hope?
That’s not why Nick is popular at all.
jhf884 - February 2, 2012
Great white hope in 2012?!
Wow..
HeartbreakShot - February 2, 2012
Yeah, Nick Diaz is not a draw… he couldn’t even crack 300k in a fight against BJ Penn…
Shnak - February 2, 2012
That card was fucked to begin with
With all the fights dropping off.
discoandherpes - February 2, 2012
Sure, but switch Diaz with GSP and it still sells over 500k buys, easily.
Shnak - February 2, 2012
Nick Diaz isn’t white.
discoandherpes - February 2, 2012
He’s mixed.
TheLastEmpress - February 2, 2012
Nick DIAZ? Isn’t white? Nooooooo.
thirdparty - February 2, 2012
nick is not a ppv draw at all
benten20 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
I love me some Diaz bros., but calling Condit run-of-the-mill is absurd. Dude is cold-blooded in the cage.
KingBrody - February 2, 2012
He was. But it's obvious the tides are turning on him.
Bill P. - February 2, 2012
He was? Dude your dulisonal I hope you meant to put your sarcasm font on today
youfailme91 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
I think Carlos poses much more threats than GSP
this fight will really point out where Nick stands in WW devision. Carlos is really good, and is a finisher, unlike the champ. this fight is a win-win for fans and GSP. except, he might not be fighting Nick after this Sunday(in japan).
Nodir Shermatov - February 2, 2012
Nah diaz snubbing a press conference and being a total badass is a bigger story than GSP or anyone else turning up for one. The UFC needs someone with some attitude. Jds is incredible but is a straight edge I’m just a fighter nice guy type outside the cage. Anderson an jones and incredible but are both “fake good guys” and annoying. GSP is a bore in ever possible way and Edgar is a great fighter and improving but he’s hardly the most intriguing character out there. The UFC could use somebody like Nick, I don’t see how it can be denied. An edge of your seat all action fighter who is also capable of saying or doing anything outside the cage as well. And if Nate can hit the heights too and you have two brothers like that being champs or constantly being in the hunt, you have a great fuckin story.
And when I said Condit was a run of the mill type, I acknowledged that he was a class fighter. What I mean is, if you had to create a mma fighter in a mma video game he’d prolly look and fight something like Carlos. He’s good but he’s just not that interesting, plus he’s boring as a person. Nick isn’t, he’s a truly one off character in and outside the cage. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Baldy probably sees the buzz round him and the potential dollars already.
peet cassidy - February 2, 2012 via mobile
If I’m putting my hard-earned down on some fights, I don’t so much care if people are characters “outside the cage” I like Diaz because of the way he fights. And I like Condit because of the way he fights. For as much of a douche as Jon Jones seems to be, I’m paying to watch him do his thing, because he’s fucking great at it.
You know who else is a character outside the cage? Junie Browning. And War Machine. How much is that worth?
KingBrody - February 2, 2012
If you had to create an MMA fighter in an MMA video game, he would probably look and fight like Jose Aldo
Skoobs - February 2, 2012
I get you kingbrody. But it’s when being extremely entertaining inside and outside the ring/cage, or at the very least finding your own specific niche, ala fedor that greatness occurs. Nick is the man, plain and simple.
peet cassidy - February 2, 2012 via mobile
It's all about who can punch/kick or roll the longest w/o stopping
The actual fighting takes place in short bursts within the rounds. you see a lot of fighters throw and then regroup. This is part technique and to regain a breath. Diaz creates an advantage for himself b/c his short burst are longer than other fighters. That’s why he always comes forward and even though opponents know this they have a hard time defending b/c they need to "regroup’ for a few seconds and he doesn’t have to.
Harley hooper - February 2, 2012
That’s why the likes of Ali or Tyson are remembered so vividly despite there differences. They were unique and memorable characters but they also got it done when it time to throw down. Nick is like that. He’s crazy but when it comes fight time he will throw absolutely everything he’s got into it. He’d be a fantastic champion and I think he would catch the mainstream publics eye a lot more than a human blanket like GSP. You can see already how all the brazillian fighters seem to love them some Nick Diaz an abuse they, and how sherdog or the UG or whatever is full of threads talking about him. Yeah he’s a monster fighter but he’s an engaging and interesting character.
peet cassidy - February 2, 2012 via mobile
except your forgetting to mention something
Tyson is one of the biggest punchlines out there.
benten20 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Yeah but when we are dead and forgotten, Tyson will still be revered discussed and anaylised. Not saying Diaz will make it that far, but he sure as shit has a better chance of being remembered as a memorable fighter and character than Carlos Condit.
peet cassidy - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Unless Condit becomes champion?
thirdparty - February 2, 2012
i cant wait till saturday!!!
ekc - February 2, 2012
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