Article Written by Cheryl Ragsdale
Even hard core Nick Diaz fans have to be feeling baffled and confused as to why he didn’t show up the for the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo held May 12, 2012 in Long Beach, CA. His opponent, multiple world champion, Braulio Estima, was deeply offended at being stood up by Diaz–the popular, but mercurial–MMA fighter. “I can understand that I have the big potential to be the first one to tap him. I was ready to do so. I understand that he wanted to run away.”
Trust that Nick won’t do what he says he’ll do
Fans either attended the event hoping to see an excellent match between two BJJ black belts or spent $10 to watch the event on live stream. Estima had a lot to say about Nick as a competitor and as a man who doesn’t keep his word. At first, there were concerns that Estima might not make the 180 lbs. weight requirement. But, Ronda Rousey, Strikeforce champion and a frequent training partner of the Diaz brothers, apparently witnessed the weigh-in and can confirm that Estima made weight at 180lbs. Estima referenced this fact during his MMAFighting.com video interview. video
After waiting at the event for Nick to show up and for the match to begin, Estima had this to say directly to Nick, “I gave up a lot of things…I came here to fight…You said you were going to give all this (purse) to charity…You let everyone down. You let me down. I think this is very disrespectful…I didn’t expect this to happen…He has a social issue. This isn’t the first time he’s done that…He’s letting the kids down. He’s out of order…When you come in and say that you’re going to do something for charity, then don’t show up for the fight…”
Nick Diaz needs an intervention
With eight submission wins out of 26 successful MMA fights, Nick is a competent BJJ fighter. Was the BJJ venue too small for Nick? Maybe his social anxiety kicked in and he didn’t feel comfortable facing fans who could approach him easily without the elaborate security found at UFC events. Maybe he was busy smoking pot and forgot?
Without an intervention of some kind, how will any fighter or promoter trust that Nick Diaz will show up, clean and prepared to fight when he says that he will? Nick’s current structure of support is failing him. Who else needs to be added to the team to help Nick navigate through the issues that are preventing him from showing up and being the best in all areas of his fighting life?
Without something different happening or a new game plan that has Nick on 24 hour surveillance leading up to the fight, I don’t see an end to Nick’s continuing troubles anytime soon.
Article Republished Courtesy of Yahoo Contributor Network.
Cheryl Ragsdale started out boxing and has added kicks and BJJ so she can practice MMA. She trains with Keith Florian and UFC Fighter Kenny Florian at Florian Martial Arts – follow @thatgirlisfunny
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