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Thursday, Apr 26, 2012

UFC on FOX 3: Nate Diaz Believes Title Shot Headed His Way if he Beats Jim Miller

Nate Diaz

Josh Koscheck Cites Benefits of Training With People “Who Actually Care”

By FCF Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship held a pre-fight teleconference today in advance of the promotion’s upcoming May 5th card at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Participating on the call were main event opponents Nate Diaz and Jim Miller, as well welterweights Josh Koscheck and Johny Hendricks, who will fight at the UFC on FOX 3 card.

Here were some of the call’s highlights.

Koscheck acknowledged that there is a lot riding on his bout with Hendricks and that the winner will move on in their pursuit of a title shot

Hendricks credited Koscheck for being one of the world’s best welterweights and relayed that he’s extremely excited to fight the former American Kickboxing Academy fighter

Miller said he “doesn’t care where” he’s fighting and that although he’ll face Diaz in New Jersey, he would be excited to fight him “anywhere in the world.” The Jersey fighter did acknowledge that the lack of travel could serve as an advantage and that he’ll “feed” of the crowd.

Miller credited Diaz for having great cardio and that he believes if he controls the fight he’s going to win. The lightweight also relayed that he’s prepared for a 25 minute bout but that he’s been training to produce a stoppage and to be “dangerous”.

Kosckeck confirmed that he’s had a lot “of changes” for this training camp due to the fact he’s no longer training out of AKA. The former contender also relayed that he believes it’s one of his best camps to date, and that he has people around him “who actually care.”

Diaz said that it’s his understanding that if he defeats Miller he’ll be granted a title shot.

Hendricks said that he and Koscheck are “complete fighters” and that it’s not going to be “another boring wrestling match.”

Koscheck relayed that he doesn’t “care where the fight goes” and that wherever it takes place he’s confident he’s going to win.

Miller stated that he’s going to have to fight his fight and that he can’t get drawn into a bout where Diaz is able to use his length and range.

Koscheck reported that he’s enjoying training out of Fresno, California and that he’s “in a great place” due to his new coaches and training partners. The fighter also added that he believes by starting a new camp he’s “added a couple years” to his career.

Hendricks relayed that he thinks “it’s cool” that former UFC fighter Ricardo Almeida will reportedly be a judge at the upcoming May 5th card.

Koscheck added that “it’s good for the sport” when asked for his thoughts about Almeida being added as a judge.

When asked if he believes he deserves a title shot if he beats Diaz, Miller responded by saying that he if “wins impressively, who else are they going to throw in there?”

Miller added that his nephew, who has battled kidney issues, has been making “decent headway” and that he may undergo transplant surgery by the end of summer.

Diaz said that he’s spent some time training with Josh Neer and Ronda Rousey for the upcoming bout, as well as his usual teammates like Gilbert Melendez and Jake Shields.

Diaz acknowledged that at times he might have been a bit small for welterweight and that if he returns to the division he may have to add some size.

When asked when he would like to fight for the title provided he defeats Koscheck, Hendricks said “hopefully soon”.

Miller relayed that he doesn’t see many similarities between himself and Cerrone and that to think his bout with Diaz will go the same way is “a little silly.”

Diaz acknowledged that Miller is “a tough fighter” and that the May 5th bout will be “a tough fight.”

Koscheck relayed that he’s content staying at welterweight due to the fact there are lots of up-and-coming fighters in the division, and that further, no middleweights came forward to challenge him.

Diaz reported that his brother Nick is busy in his triathlon season and that he doesn’t believe anything’s changed in terms of Nick’s desire to fight again.

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 2:21 pm
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