As reported yesterday it looks as if Nick Diaz vs Katsuya Inoue is officially back on this weekend’s DREAM.3 card from Saitama Super Arena. Sherdog has the scoop.
Questions arose when Diaz was originally pulled off the card as he had apparently gained weight due to the belief he wasn’t fighting.
Diaz will spend his last few hours in the United States cutting weight before heading to Japan to face former King of Pancrase Katsuya Inoue in Dream.
“Tonight we will be pulling an all-nighter cutting weight,” Gracie said late Wednesday.
Unfortunate for Diaz and hopefully he’s at 100% for the weekend. And according to Cesar Gracie the man we have to thank is apparently ProElite CEO Doug DeLuca….
“He thought Nick sort of got screwed with the whole California Athletic Commission thing,”
We still don’t have all the details on that situation but one would assume he needn’t bring his questionable medical marijuana card to Japan.
Cesar Gracie called in and talked to T.J. DeSantis on the Sherdog Radio Network this afternoon and said that Nick Diaz may be back on the DREAM 3 card against Katsuya Inoue. According to DeSantis, Gracie had just spoken with a representative from EliteXC who greenlit the fight to take place at DREAM 3.
Unfortunately, however, Gracie told DeSantis that Diaz has gained back a bunch of the weight that he had lost in preparation for the bout and wouldn’t be able to make the weight for the fight. DeSantis said that Gracie was going to talk to representatives from the DREAM organization as soon as possible to see if the fight could take place at a catch weight of 175 lbs.
We’ll keep you posted on the status of Diaz on the DREAM 3 card, so keep it dialed in to FiveOuncesOfPain.com!
News of the possible cancellation first surfaced Monday night at the website GracieFighter.com, which is owned and operated by Diaz’s trainer, Cesar Gracie.
According to Gross, EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw phoned Gracie Tuesday morning to inform him that a decision had been made to pull Diaz from DREAM’s show.
DREAM made the announcement on their website today that the ever controversial Nick Diaz will be competing on the DREAM 3 card on May 11th.
Diaz will be facing off in a bout against Katsuya Inoue, a Pancrase veteran. Diaz has not competed since November 2007 when he lost a fight due to doctor stoppage against K.J. Noons for the EliteXC lightweight title.
Diaz was scheduled to fight on March 29th at the EliteXC/Strikeforce card but was unable to compete due to some issues with his medical paperwork and possibly an issue with his medical marijuana card.
“Obviously the back injury happened (to Shields) and the easiest thing to do was move him to Hawaii to fight Drew,” said Shaw in the interview with MMAWeekly Radio. “Unfortunately since then Drew Fickett has hurt his knee and he’s not going to be able to take that fight on June 14 and that will be rescheduled again.”
By “rescheduled again,” Shaw is referring to a scheduled March 29th bout between the two that didn’t go through due to Shields’ aforementioned back injury.
In addition to revealing Fickett’s injury, Shaw also announced five bouts for the June 14th show set to take place in Hawaii. The bouts are as follows:
K.J. Noons vs. Yves Edwards (for EliteXC’s lightweight title)
GracieFighter.com has indicated that Nick Diaz could be involved with the next DREAM card set for April 29 in Saitama, Japan.
The site, which is owned and operated by Diaz’s trainer, Cesar Gracie, states that Diaz verbally agreed to a match against renowned competitive grappler-turned-mixed martial artist, Marcelo Garcia.
However, Diaz’s involvement on the show is now in question because the site claims Garcia has refused the fight and that there might not be enough time to secure a new opponent.
Neither DREAM or Garcia’s camp have publicly commented on this report.
In related news, it was also announced by ProElite.com earlier this week that Diaz is scheduled to fight on June 14 in Hawaii against Muhsin Corbbrey.
Nick Diaz has officially been added to EliteXC’s June 14 show in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to a recent announcement by ProElite.com. The web site has also revealed that Diaz’s opponent for the event will be ShoXC veteran Muhsin Corbbrey.
The two had been scheduled to fight in April on an EliteXC show that had been scheduled for Hawaii, however the card was ultimately canceled and Diaz was moved up to compete on the March 29 undercard for the EliteXC/Strikforce co-promoted event that featured Frank Shamrock and Cung Le in the main event.
Diaz’s opponent was changed from Corbbrey to Korean kickboxing specialist Jae Suk Lim, however, the match never took place after the California State Athletic Commission elected not to license Diaz for the event. According to published reports, CSAC’s position was that Diaz did not fill out all of his necessary medicals in time. Meanwhile, EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw stated otherwise, claiming it was his belief that Diaz was wrongfully prevented from fighting after he indicated on his medicals that he used marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Erin Bucknell of MMACalifornia.net recently contacted California State Athletic Commission executive director Armando Garcia to get his side of the story in regards to CSAC’s decision not to approve Nick Diaz for this past Saturday’s EliteXC/Strikeforce co-promotion.
Here’s an excerpt of what Garcia had to say:
On that same date the fighter disclosed that he was using marijuana for medicinal purposes and had been using it that same week. He also stated that he had a ‘card’ to prove it. He did not have the card with him on that date and it was noted that it would be provided. He was specifically and clearly instructed to contact the Commission, specifically, me. Along with the fighter during this process was an employee of the promoter whose sole duty with the fighters was licensing.
The employee was told by the Doctor’s office that the actual medical examination reports would be ready on Monday March 17, 2008. He advised the Doctor’s office that he would return with another fighter on that date and would pick them up then.
There is absolutely no doubt that both the employee and the fighter were given the necessary instructions.
On March 17 the promoter’s employee went back to the Doctor’s office with another fighter and was given the medical examinations for the previous fighter.
Early in the business day on Tuesday March 25, 2008 (eight days later and three days from the fight) the promoter’s employee called our office and asked a series of ‘hypothetical’ questions regarding the use of marijuana by a fighter, medicinal marijuana, having or not having a marijuana card, etc.
Later we identified the fighter and the exact information and discussed the actual fighter’s situation.
I am in San Jose, Calif. right now on assignment and a lot of influential people in this business are just burying California State Athletic Commission executive director Armando Garcia. He wasn’t popular to begin with but now even some of his supporters have turned on him in regards to his decision to pull Nick Diaz from Saturday’s EliteXC/Strikeforce show.
Right now, I am going to hold off on making a comment. The reason is because I think it’s too early to jump to conclusions. We’ve heard EliteXC and Gary Shaw’s side, but I’d really like to hear Garcia’s side. The problem is, Garcia is being silent at a time he needs to be speaking up. CSAC is publicly funded by taxpayers in California and as such, there should be complete and total transparency in CSAC’s dealings.
During Thursday’s EliteXC/Strikeforce press conference, Diaz mentioned that when he went for his pre-fight medical exam that a female attendant looked at his record and brought up his past suspension for marijuana and that she warned him. According to Diaz, at that point he felt like the right thing to do was to be completely honest when filling out his forms and so he apprised the commission of his use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. He expressed that several other fighters getting their exams done did the same.
Shaw said that Diaz was punished even though he had not had a pre-fight test nor had tested positive for the fight. But when Diaz had his pre-fight medical approximately 2-3 weeks ago, did he submit any kind of blood sample? Is there any chance that Diaz somehow might have tested positive? I’m not accusing anyone of anything, but I just have a feeling we aren’t getting the full story.
Here is video of EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw and Nick Diaz addressing the recent controversy of the California State Athletic Commissions’ decision to prevent Diaz from fighting on Saturday’s EliteXC/Strikeforce show.
During the EliteXC/Strikeforce press conference today, President of EliteXC’s Live Events division Gary Shaw, addressed the California State Athletic Commission’s decision to pull Nick Diaz out of his scheduled fight with Jae Suk Lim at the EliteXC/Strikeforce event on Saturday.
Showing little restraint, Shaw contradicted CSAC executive director Armando Garcia’s assertion that Diaz’s medicals were late. According to Shaw, Diaz was the first fighter on the card to have his medicals submitted. Shaw said that Diaz was apparently cleared either two or two and a half weeks ago.
In taking Diaz off the card, Shaw said that Garcia had “overstepped” his bounds. He stated that Diaz was never tested for drugs and never tested positive. Shaw added that Garcia is not currently taking his calls.
Diaz himself made an appearance and addressed the fighters and media. He issued a heartfelt apology for not being able to appear as scheduled. He clarified his position by indicating that he was only being honest with the commission, and that he has legal permission to use the marijuana to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder conditions. Diaz informed the audience that it was his intent to test clean.
Shaw was also asked about legal action against the commission and said he will have his attorneys look into it. He did state that he believes that Diaz has a civil case. Shaw also added that Diaz will fight on June 14th in Hawaii.
MMA Weekly is reporting that Nick Diaz is out of his fight on Saturday at EliteXC/Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Cung Le with Jae Suk Lim for undisclosed reasons. Drew Fickett, who was originally scheduled to fight Jake Shields, will step in for Diaz and fight Lim in a bout that will take place at 170 lbs.
The only feasible thing left to happen to this card is Frank Shamrock pulling out due to some kind of injury. There’s been a black cloud over this event for a couple of weeks now and this is hopefully the last change that will have to be made. Fighters have been pulling out due to injury, undisclosed reasons, etc. for the last couple of weeks now.
All in all, EliteXC and Strikeforce have done a good job scrambling to find opponents when they have had to and being flexible with situations that sometimes inevitably arise with fighters.
GracieFighter.com is reporting that Nick Diaz’s opponent for the March 29th EliteXC/Strikeforce event will be Jae Suk “Korean Icepick” Lim. Lim is a veteran of Spirit MC and holds a 9-3 professional record. He has fought in EliteXC once before at the EliteXC: Renegade show with a first round submission victory over Daniel Pinedo.
EliteXC lightweight competitor Nick Diaz has been scheduled to appear on the undercard of the Strikeforce and EliteXC co-promoted event scheduled to take place on March 29 in San Jose at the HP Pavilion.
The card will be headlined by Frank Shamrock defending the Strikeforce middleweight title vs. Cung Le and will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME.
Diaz’s opponent on the show has not been named. He had been scheduled to fight Muhsin Corbbrey during EliteXC’s April 26 show in Honolulu, Hawaii, however, the fight has been scrapped.
The March fight will represent the first time Diaz has competed since suffering a second round TKO due to a doctor’s stoppage against K.J. Noons during EliteXC’s “Renegade” show in Corpus Christi, Texas this past November. After suffering multiple cuts in the fight, Diaz underwent plastic surgery intended to make his face less susceptible to cutting open.
In addition to Diaz’s match vs. an unnamed opponent and the bout featuring Le and Shamrock, a match between Jake Shields and Drew Fickett for the vacant EliteXC welterweight title is also slated to take place.
Gilbert Melendez had been set to defend the Strikeforce lightweight title against Jorge Masvidal. However, the match was canceled due to an injury sustained by Masvidal during last Friday unanimous decision victory over Ryan Healy during the “Strikeforce at the Dome” show. It is not known whether a replacement is being sought for Melendez.
Also, an inter-promotional middleweight matchup first reported by MMAjunkie.com that would have featured Joey Villasenor vs. Joe Riggs is now in doubt after Riggs sustained an injury during last Friday’s show as well.
Graduation day has arrived for ShoXC prospect Muhsin Corbbrey, as ProElite.com (SamCaplan.ProElite.com) has learned that Corbbrey has accepted a EliteXC bout against Nick Diaz for April 26 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The news comes from a source close to Corbbrey’s camp. It has not been confirmed whether Diaz has signed a bout agreement for the fight.
Corbbrey is 2-0 competing for EliteXC’s ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series franchise on SHOWTIME. He made his debut against “Lethal” Lee Gibson on July 27, winning via unanimous decision. His last bout was a comeback victory over Southshore Sportfighting’s Bobby McMaster during October’s ShoXC. After being dominated for much of the first round, Corbbrey rallied by catching McMaster in a guillotine choke and forcing him to tap with one second left in the round.
He has competed as a professional boxer and professional Muay Thai fighter. In addition to his vast standup experience, Corbbrey has successfully competed in several grappling tournaments such as NAGA and ISCF. He trains grappling and MMA with UFC lightweight contender Din Thomas while he works with John Blanken on his standup.
If you’re going to be in Las Vegas this weekend for UFC 81, you can meet Nick and Nathan Diaz. The brothers Diaz will be making two appearances for their new sponsor Ecko Unlimited this Friday and Sat. They also will be in attendance at the event (yes, the UFC will let Nick in the building but they won’t be sitting next to Karo).
Here are the details:
Friday Feb 1; 2pm-6pm
Ecko Unlimited Store
The Boulevard - 3528 S. Maryland Parkway
Sat Feb 2; 12pm-4pm
Marc Ecko Cut and Sew Store
Fashion Show Mall - 3200 Las Vegas Boulevard
As a reader of FiveOuncesofPain.com, if you print this page and bring it with you to the Ecko store during the Diaz brothers signing, they’ll give you a FREE Ecko t-shirt, with purchase of another item.
Big thanks to ECKO UNLTD. for hooking up FiveOuncesofPain.com readers with signed shirts by Nathan Diaz, Corey Hill, and for our upcoming UFC 81 live chat, Frank Mir.
Nick Diaz will seek out the assistance of Las Vegas-based plastic surgeon Frank Stile in order to repair the considerable scar tissue that has developed around his eyes. Kit Cope, the man who cornered the 24-year-old in his failed attempt to win the EliteXC lightweight title at EliteXC “Renegade” on Saturday in Corpus Christi, Texas, made the announcement after the bout.
Says Kit Cope:
“He didn’t get hit with anything hard,” Cope said. “It’s just that he’s got some gnarly cuts. There were a couple of fights [in his past] where he got cut and then band aided it, you know … didn’t get any good stitches, so he’s got a lot of scar tissue. You breathe on the guy, and he gets cut.”
“KJ Noons – Karl – you’re not even in the same league,” Cope said. “You’re luckier than a dog with two peckers.”
Probably a good move by Nick Diaz to get this taken care of. He’s a young fighter and he’s bound to get hit in the face a lot more times in his career.
Gotta love how Kit Cope has to get his jab in at KJ anytime he can. For someone with a 1-4 MMA record, Cope sure does talk a lot of garbage.
Disclaimer: Sam Caplan is the lead writer and an editor for ProElite.com, a sibling company to EliteXC.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Yes, the matches were short and there was a lot of controversy. However, the action that we did see was good and the controversy made things very interesting and left me wanting to see more.Below is my full review, with my thoughts on the overall production of the list presented first, followed my my thoughts on each individual fight.
I thought the production was good and much improved over the Sept. 15 show. However, it wasn’t perfect and there’s room for improvement in any promotion.
First, I will start out by saying I don’t know what was up with that opening sequence with the male dancers. I just don’t get the whole Spirit Squad crew. Were they break boys? Male cheerleaders? I guess what they were is irrelevant because they had nothing to do with fighting and the skit came off bad. There’s no place for that type of stuff in the age of YouTube. If you mess up like that it’s going to get repeated over and over again and take away from the outcomes of the fight. Someone HAD to have said something during the production meetings and suggested that maybe the male dancers might have been a concept that would translate well on TV. How does a concept like that not get shot down from the get go?
I mean, has EliteXC not learned from the Dragon during the Mississippi show?
1. Nick Diaz looked bad. I usually don’t say such a thing about fighters, but Diaz looked awful tonight. He was getting torn apart on the feet by KJ Noons and all of his takedown attempts were stuffed easily by Noons. Diaz’s takedowns looked lazy, telegraphed, and sloppy. Nothing explosive. Nick just looked sloppy tonight and paid for it. On top of looking out of his game, what Diaz did after the fight was stopped was a little classless. It was a good stoppage and I know that Diaz never wants to lose a fight like that, but the fact of the matter is that he got dominated and ended up looking like a sore loser.
2. KJ Noons was damn impressive. With all of the above being said about Diaz, take nothing away from KJ Noons. He fought a perfect fight. He kept it standing, stuffed all of Diaz’s takedown attempts and beat Diaz up for the entire round with hard punches and combinations. Diaz’s face looked like it had been through the meat grinder after the fight was over. Even when Diaz got KJ to the ground, KJ was easily able to get the fight back to their feet. He opened up two good cuts on Diaz and had Diaz’s left eye almost swollen shut. Dominating performance by Noons, your first ever EliteXC lightweight champion.
3. Kimbo Slice won the fight before even stepping into the cage. Kimbo Slice didn’t win this fight by TKO. He won this fight via intimidation. Bo Cantrell was literally scared to death of Kimbo. Kimbo came out calm and collected and Cantrell looked like he was shaking in his boots. I expected a bit more out of Cantrell just due to his experience, but Kimbo hit him with two good shots and Cantrell had had enough. Ray Mercer lasted longer than this guy. Cantrell had himself mentally defeated before he ever stepped foot into the cage. Intimidation will work for only so long against lower level fighters, but if Kimbo can mentally defeat his first few opponents before they step foot into the cage, then so be it. I’m surprised there wasn’t a puddle of piss in Cantrell’s corner before the fight started.
Sam Caplan: “Things like your assessment of Uno vs. Ishida as a main event make it sound like you...
fenrsz: I’m not sure what some people expect from Dream…remember it is just a re-packaged...
Talkbets: “I realize I am in the minority when I say that I was hardly impressed by DREAM.3, but then...
Fight Fan: #6″Not getting upset but how about a WARNING CONTAINS SPOILERS type thing” Thats all...
Fight Fan: Your argument doesn’t make sense GVE RESULTS WITH A WARNING is that clear Rich.
Fight Fan: Did it say results or recap can you have a fight card recap a weigh in recap a injury recap ....
Rich S.: fight fan, recap is the same as WARNING OMG THERE’S FREAKING SPOILERS, IF YOU’RE...
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