Nick Diaz: What's Wrong with the Former No. 1 Contender?

Nick Diaz's recent antics might have finally backfired as it was learned that UFC President Dana White removed the former Strikeforce Welterweight champion from UFC 137. The move was shocking, to say the least, and put an abrupt end to any chance of seeing Diaz competing inside the UFC. 

Diaz's history of refusing to acknowledge the media and conduct interviews is well documented, and it was no surprise to hear of his absence at the pre-UFC 137 press conference earlier this week. However, when he did not appear for the UFC 137 press conference in Las Vegas the following day, the move was totally bizarre. 

Not only was the move unprofessional but it was unfair to his fellow colleagues and employers, who were left to promote the event by themselves. Diaz had put a lot of trust into people and was seemingly willing to step up and face Georges St-Pierre in a bout that would have likely boosted his career significantly, it appears he no longer has that opportunity. 

As a result, White announced Carlos Condit would replace Diaz to face St-Pierre. Realistically, this bout draws more interest for fans as Condit has been on a dominant run throughout the welterweight division and possesses the necessary skills to give the champion some problems. It's not that Diaz's style can't, but at this point it would be foolish to leave St-Pierre without an opponent and Condit is one of the most accomplished and competitive opponents in the world.

Unlike Diaz, Condit will be willing to promote the fight. 

This bout will obviously not carry the same significance it had with Diaz, but fans could likely see a more competitive bout. St-Pierre will have another legitimate challenger to prepare for as he looks to defend his title for a seventh time. 

As for Diaz, he appears to have wasted an opportunity which could have benefited his career—win or lose. He has always had the skills and potential to be considered a world-class competitor but he never carried the heart or the passion to make an effort. Diaz's actions have now culminated into a serious problem and it has not sat well with his own training camp, forcing them to reevaluate the troubled 28-year-old's career.

And honestly, Diaz should do the same thing.