Georges St-Pierre has the blueprint to defeat Nick Diaz.
There isn’t any secret information floating around or moles hidden in Caesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
To find out more about his opponent, St-Pierre did what every good student does to pass a difficult test.
He studied his notes.
At UFC on FOX 5, Nick’s younger brother Nate Diaz was completely outclassed by UFC lightweight champ Benson Henderson. While the Diaz brothers are different fighters, there are many similarities in their fighting style.
They are both world class boxers with black belt level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
St-Pierre studied Henderson’s performance, and he believes he can successfully implement a similar strategy in his upcoming bout with Nick.
During an appearance on The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale on FUEL TV (via Fighters.com), the UFC welterweight champ thanked Henderson for providing a blueprint for defeating a Diaz:
I watched very carefully your fight against Nate Diaz. I’m going to try to use some of the stuff you have done in the fight to win over Nick Diaz, as well. I’m going to learn from what you did and try to apply it in my game plan. Thanks for showing me the blueprint.
Henderson nullified Nate’s boxing with leg kicks and by quickly moving in and out of the pocket. Nate could never get into a rhythm. When the distance closed, Henderson was able to utilize his superior grappling to control from the clinch and work takedowns.
St-Pierre’s camp likely won’t follow Henderson’s exact game plan, but there are definitely some things to take away from his performance. Like the Diaz brothers, St-Pierre and Henderson are also similar in a lot of ways.
St-Pierre has the ability to work Nick on the outside and secure takedowns when the pocket closes. People always talk about Nick’s otherworldly Jiu-Jitsu skills, but St-Pierre also has black belt level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to go along with his world class wrestling.
The UFC welterweight title bout is slated for UFC 158 in March 2013. Can “Smooth’s” performance truly pave the way for a St-Pierre victory?
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