Nick Diaz Taking NSAC To Court And Targeting Anderson Silva Bout

Yesterday it revealed that Cesar Gracie, the man who coaches the Diaz brothers, Gilbert Melendez and Jake Shields, was to make a statement regarding the fighting future of former Strikeforce Welterweight champion Nick Diaz. 28 year old Diaz (26-8) has not been seen since dropping a controversial decision to Carlos Condit at UFC 143.

Due to the close decision, it looked as though we were set for Condit vs. Diaz II, but that was scuppered when Diaz tested positive for trace amounts of marijuana in his post fight drug test.

Here is what Gracie had to say about the suspension, the NSAC and the ambitious fighting future of Mr 209.

It's been a trying time these last 4 months as I have been faced with the prospect that one of our team's most talented fighters had decided to leave the sport. As a fan I've always admired what both of the Diaz's brought to the cage; a combination of technical brilliance and raw violence.

For the last couple of months I've watched Nick begin to frequent the gym more and more. He's training harder now than he has for many of his fights. It was obvious that training and fighting is in his DNA. It is who he is.

This week we had a great talk and he made it clear to me that he is ready to get back to the cage. Nick Diaz will return.

To address the NSAC suspension, I will say that we have appealed to the courts and if things go our way, it will be plausible that Nick could return as early as sometime at the end of this year.

For too long NSAC bureaucrats have acted with malicious incompetence towards the fighters. We will challenge them in court.

As far as future opponents, Nick has stated that he would like to take fights "that matter". Since GSP will be fighting Condit, he has to look elsewhere. He will respectfully ask for a fight with Anderson Silva, a fighter he respects and would like to challenge.

Silva's camp has been speaking of a fight with GSP, possibly even at a catch weight. Nick will take that fight in a minute but has told me that should Silva decide not to drop at all, he will move up to 185lbs to face the Champ.

I will be meeting with Dana next Monday August 6th to discuss this and other issues. If you appreciate Nick's fighting style, please let Dana know that you want Nick back ASAP.

Thank you and best regards,

Cesar Gracie


Nick Diaz vs. Anderson Silva anyone? Is it possible that Dana White's middleweight plans have just become a whole lot more interesting? Or will Diaz eventually see sense and remain at 170 for that inevitable showdown with Canadian legend Georges St Pierre?

Stay Addicted as all these questions eventually get answered.

Source: http://graciefighter.com/

Published by Lee Rabey - Sat, 28 Jul 2012 15:09