UFC 137: Did Dana White Make the Right Call in Dropping Nick Diaz?

The news of Nick Diaz’s exclusion from UFC 137 has been making the rounds. He failed to show up for two press conferences in Toronto and Las Vegas and was unceremoniously dropped from the card by UFC President Dana White.

Most people in the media are aware of Diaz’s aversion to the press and even Cesar Gracie, when speaking to MMAJunkie, said: "I personally think there's some kind of social anxiety happening here with Nick.” It seems to me that there is nothing new in Diaz's behavior, and this is something I’m sure White was aware of.

The bottom line is this: Diaz messed up big time. The chance of UFC glory against George-St-Pierre has gone up in smoke and that’s that.

But once the dust has settled, was Dana White’s decision to upend the main event of UFC 137 the right one?

I know everyone has their own view points on the matter, but I personally think, from a business point of view, it was an egregious decision.

For a while now there has been high anticipation surrounding this fight. The fans have yearned for it. In fact, anyone in the MMA know-how has wanted to see these two combatants throw leather, and in doing so, determine who would hold sway over the welterweight divisions as a whole.

The tickets for UFC 137 went on sale this Wednesday, and I for one doubt that the buy rates for Pierre vs. Carlos Conduit will be anywhere near a Diaz vs. Pierre throw down.

Forget about Diaz not fulfilling his promotional obligations. Personally, I wouldn’t care if Diaz didn’t show for the weigh-in either. The fight, regardless of his no-shows, would’ve sold itself.

What would’ve transpired if Diaz had shown up for those press conferences and no-showed at the fight? Now that would be something to talk about.

Regardless of whether White felt disrespected or Diaz lacked professionalism, I think the UFC President's mantra should’ve been that it’s strictly business all the way and we’ll deal with the other stuff later.