UFC 158: Why Fans Should Cheer for Nick Diaz over GSP

After initially hoping that saint GSP would destroy the evil Nick Diaz, I now believe that, for the greater good, it would be better to see Nick Diaz defeat the beloved champion GSP at UFC 158.

I admit it. I was buying wolf tickets. I have seen the error of my ways (and hopefully correctly applied a new term to my lexicon).

Here are my reasons why.

Fighting Style

A champion's fighting style should beget excitement and increase the sport's popularity.

Nick Diaz is the quintessential action fighter. Watching him fight enhances the aura of the sport and the mystique of being an MMA fighter.

GSP's MO is to safely win rounds and secure wins. He is the anti-action fighter.

In terms of fighting styles, even the most loyal of the champion's fanbase would agree that a Diaz fight is far more exciting to watch. Those in doubt can simply compare strikes thrown and landed between the two.

Championship Heart

I believe Nick Diaz to have the truer heart of a model champion.

The fact that Georges gave away his title to Matt Serra attests to that. That, compared to the grit exuded by Diaz in classic battles, such as the Gomi war, the BJ Penn classic and the Paul Daley thriller, prove him to have the edge in championship heart.

Furthermore, the fact that Diaz seeks to engage his opponents as opposed to avoiding exchanges and not seeking submissions demonstrates a greater will to win.

Personality

Like many fans, I do not appreciate the cursing nor disrespectful gestures made by Diaz.

I do also categorically find his interviews and antics far more interesting and original than the cookie-cutter Bull Durhamesque ones of the current champion. 

Nick's response to the "ready" and "excited" question from UFC Countdown is as legendary as Iverson's "practice" response.

Simply put, the Stockton native's enigmatic personality makes for far better television.

Sincerity

I believe Diaz is sincere. He delivers on his fight promises.

When Georges told us before the Shields fight not to blink so we don't miss it but then won in underwhelming fashion, he was not being genuine.

After hyping his feud with Koscheck before simply jabbing away at a one-eyed Josh, I no longer trust what he says.

While neither really engages the fans or the media, only one is honest about it when he does.

Skill Level

A champion should demonstrate the value of the title by expressing elite level quality and skill.

While both men have incredible talent, it is my contention that Diaz has a much more accomplished submission game. His armbar from guard against Cyborg was sublime. His gogoplata submission over Gomi was virtually unprecedented. and his boxing skills are arguably in the top ten of the entire sport.

While GSP has amazing all around skills, and is one of the best MMA wrestlers on the planet, I do not think he has reached the level of Diaz.

Nick has proven greater skill in finishing elite fighters than his UFC 158 counterpart.

Role Model

Nick Diaz came out and admitted in a radio interview that he was afraid of Georges. He stated that he is always afraid to fight. This is honest and refreshing and real. People can relate to this and identify with someone brave enough to admit they feel fear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFju2p7wx6A

He has no pretenses and puts on no airs.

In that regard, he is a better role model. He speaks out against media manipulation and tries to get people to open their eyes. He also adheres to a very healthy diet and does triathlons.

Admirable.

Anti-Hero

The sport has never really had a successful anti-hero.

Randy and Chuck were extremely affable.

Nick can bring something fresh and amusing to a sport looking to gain a solid foothold in mainstream sports. The truth is that not all athletes, especially in MMA, are going to resonate with fans when they portray themselves as a character from a '50s sitcom.

People are looking for greater truth and transparency from their heroes.

Conclusion

I will be cheering for the Sockton bad-boy on Saturday.

I think he is the more exciting fighter, the better skilled athlete and  a far more interesting character and engaging personality.

The sport, media and fans will benefit with Diaz as the new champion.