UFC 137 Results: Nick Diaz Impresses

By Vinnie Franklin

Nick Diaz, the bad boy of MMA, showed just why they put up with him last night at UFC 137. Dana White can cry all he wants about his behavior, but this guy is the real deal and he puts asses in the seats. Look at it this way. With the absence of Georges St. Pierre, the card was still a big sale with Diaz headlining.

BJ Penn fought hard, and won the first round, but Diaz turned up the juice and clearly won the final two rounds, leading to a unanimous decision by scores of 29-28 (twice) and 29-27. The distance striking that Diaz is known for was on full display. This guy just kept Penn at bay and ate him up. Penn said he’s done with the game. Maybe, maybe not. The guy’s got something left.

Pass me the pillow baby. Cheick Kongo and Matt Mitrione had a fight for insomniacs everywhere. What a dull fight this was…with Kongo getting the UD nod.

Roy Nelson got the stoppage over Mirko Cro Cop, ending the career of one of the best MMA fighters of all time. A series of punches on a game Cro Crop was enough to convince the referee to call it. He was all over him and there is no question that even though he was eyeing retirement, he did come to win. He fought with heart and just reached the end of his road. I tip my hat to you Cro Cop.

Scott Jorgensen was able to control Jeff Curran en route to a decision win. Both guys are grapplers and both knew what to expect from the other. It was the ring intelligence that was the difference. Jorgensen was just too smart and eked it out.

Hatsu Hioki debuted with a close decision over George Roop. It could have gone either way, but it was a good way to start an event. This guy was pretty good. He’s got a way to go, but I look forward to his next deal.

The story of the night was Nick Diaz. He is a star and he will face off with St. Pierre eventually and get ready for that because POW! There will be some damn fireworks there.