Nick Diaz vs Takanori Gomi II Possible!!!!

[The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell]

EliteXC executive Turi Altavilla, the former vice president of production and marketing for PRIDE USA, says that a rematch between Takanori Gomi and Nick Diaz — who fought to an entertaining but eventual controversial no-contest at PRIDE 32 — could rematch sometime soon under the EliteXC banner. In fact, it’s a fight EliteXC executives have already discussed internally.

The news come from a CBSSports.com interview with Altavilla conducted by our friend Sam Caplan.

Back in February, PRIDE hosted what was only its second show on U.S. soil. Executives wanted to match Gomi, their prized lightweight champion, with an American fighter who had widespread appeal. They ultimately chose former UFC fighter and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Diaz for the non-title bout.

In one of the year’s most memorable fights, Diaz bounced back from a series of blows and an early knockdown to score a rare gogoplata submission victory in the second round. However, after Diaz failed a drug test due to marijuana, the Nevada State Athletic Commission stripped Diaz of the win and ruled the fight a no-contest.

According to Altavilla, who went to work for EliteXC after Zuffa LLC purchased PRIDE and subsequently fired all its employees, says the organization is interested in hosting the rematch.

“I think anything is possible, for sure,” Altavilla told CBSSports.com. “We’ve talked about it on the EliteXC side. I think it’s something that Gomi would want. I don’t think he’d want to continue his career without having the opportunity to do it (avenge the loss to Diaz). We’re very open to doing it, and I think I should leave it at that.“

Altavilla, along with former PRIDE executive Jerry Millen, helped put the fight together in the first place.

As far as the rematch, Diaz is currently signed to a long-term deal with EliteXC. However, securing Gomi’s services could be a challenge. After the disbanding of PRIDE, Gomi said he’d prefer to stay and fight in Japan.

* * * *

In addition to the news above, Altavilla talks in depth about PRIDE’s demise and the factors he thinks played a part in it. Primarily, he says that the organization wasn’t prepared to capitalize on the U.S. market when things in Japan were heading south.

Damn if this happens it will really propel Elite XC up there. There first fight can easily be called fight of the year so far. I know I will buy it.

[GSPALLTHEWAY]

i dont get it... diaz is in elitexc... all they really said was "anything is possible"

doesnt even sound close to a rumor yet... gomi vs penn is also "possible"

[The-Iceman-Chuck-Liddell]

Originally Posted by GSPALLTHEWAY

i dont get it... diaz is in elitexc... all they really said was "anything is possible"

doesnt even sound close to a rumor yet... gomi vs penn is also "possible"

They're saying they are trying to get Gomi soon...

[T-Bone]

Originally Posted by GSPALLTHEWAY

i dont get it... diaz is in elitexc... all they really said was "anything is possible"

doesnt even sound close to a rumor yet... gomi vs penn is also "possible"

Yeah...and it was Pride 33. Where is that article from?

What a great fight

I'd like to see them tangle again.

[Gygax]

The article is from Sam Caplan's CBS Sportsline interview released today. Many people are excited about the possibility, but as pointed out, its the hope of the EliteXC VP Turi Altavilla, not anything in reality. Unless EliteXC wants to go to Japan to do it, likely under a World Victory Road banner, its pure speculation at this point.

[fullonshred]

FWIW, I would love to see Gomi/Diax II. As stated by many, the first matchup was excellent.

[Ring_Raider_07]

Damn I'd love to see this fight. I think Gomi would take Diaz more seriously and train his ass off. This would be one hell of a war.

[Ninjamonkey]

Not sure Diaz should be given this fight right now after his last 2 performances. If Diaz comes in looking anything like he did in his last two fights, Gomi will walk all over Diaz.

[glockmn]

Originally Posted by Ninjamonkey

Not sure Diaz should be given this fight right now after his last 2 performances. If Diaz comes in looking anything like he did in his last two fights, Gomi will walk all over Diaz.

Diaz is one of those fighters that can always pull through he has a drive when he fights it is going to be a war

[Ninjamonkey]

Originally Posted by glockmn

Diaz is one of those fighters that can always pull through he has a drive when he fights it is going to be a war

Well that drive was certainly lacking in his last couple of fights. He looked very slow and unmotivated to me. As I said earlier, if he fights like he has been recently, Gomi will make quick work of Diaz this time around.