UFC Notebook: Comments from Scott Coker, Nick Diaz & Matt Mitrione on Tito Ortiz

Nick Diaz to Pass on Boxing

Recently, Nick Diaz and his manager, Cesar Gracie, have publicly campaigned for a professional boxing match.

First, they called out Fernando Vargas. Then, when that did not materialize, they turned their attention to Jeff Lacy. Lacy picked up on the story and accepted the challenge.

Not so fast, according to Strikeforce President Scott Coker.

“I believe that’s been worked out,” Coker said in regards to Diaz attempting to box. “I think that he should be fighting in MMA.”

As for when the enigmatic welterweight champion will step back in the cage, Coker was not exactly sure.

“We traditionally fight Nick three times a year,” Coker said, “and he’s already fought twice. We’ll probably fight him again before the end of the year.”

Las Vegas Challengers

Strikeforce’s prospect show will be moving to a new, permanent home.

Since May 2009, the series has moved from location to location with most of the cards originating from Northern California. Now, following the June 24 show in Kent, Wash., all Strikeforce Challengers shows will take place in Las Vegas at the Palms Casino.

Coker explained how the change came about.

“Previously, we couldn’t come to Vegas for obvious reasons,” the Strikeforce CEO said, noting the UFC’s presence in the city, “and the Palms always wanted more fights.”

The first show at the new home will be on July 22 and will feature the third match-up between Roger Bowling and Bobby Voelker.

Bowling won the first bout by technical decision when he could not continue after an eye poke from Voelker, and Voelker rebounded to win the second contest by TKO.

Mitrione on Ortiz

At the recent UFC fighter summit in Las Vegas, Matt Mitrione nearly got into a physical confrontation with former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz.

The problem arose due to disparaging comments Mitrione made about Ortiz and his famous wife, Jenna Jameson.

Mitrione is still not letting up on Ortiz.

“Who’s that?” Mitrione said, when asked if the disagreement was over. “Oh, I thought he retired already. I didn’t know he was still fighting.”

Batista to MMA?

With the massive pay-per-view success of former World Wrestling Entertainment champion Brock Lesnar, other professional wrestlers have entertained the idea of crossing over to MMA.

Last year, Dave Batista began training at the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Pleasant Hill, Calif. Publicly, Batista stated that he was negotiating to fight with Strikeforce.

While many were skeptical that Batista would attempt the transition, Coker confirmed that he was negotiating with the former WWE star.

"Absolutely," Coker said, when asked if he thought Batista was serious about fighting. 

“I just haven’t hooked up with him recently, but we’ll have a chat together at some point.”

Next Featherweight Contender

All the recent talk about who Jose Aldo will fight next has revolved around Chad Mendes and Kenny Florian.

Florian, who will be making his featherweight debut at UFC 131 against Diego Nunes, is not the only former UFC lightweight switching down to the lighter weight class.

Tyson Griffin will also be making his debut at 145 lbs. He is set to take on former featherweight title challenger Manny Gamburyan at UFC Live: Marquardt vs. Johnson on June 26.

“I think he’s a tough guy. He’s very well rounded,” Griffin said about Gamburyan.

As for the lower weight class, the twelve time (7-5 record) veteran is prepared.

“I’m moving down in weight, but it’s not my first time fighting down there,” Griffin said. “I know a lot more about diet and nutrition now so it should be easy.”

Back in 2004, Griffin dropped to 145 pounds and defeated former WEC champion Urijah Faber.

With his name recognition, Griffin may have a chance to make an immediate impact in the division.

“If it puts me in line, that would be awesome,” Griffin said about potentially facing Aldo.