The network deal between the UFC and Fox has created some interesting opportunities to provide cross over between traditional ‘stick and ball’ sports and MMA. The UFC caught up with some NFL stars to get their picks for the UFC 143 main event between Carlos Condit and Nick Diaz.
Eli Manning:
I gotta go with Diaz. He’s a tough guy. Coach Sullivan, our quarterback coach is a big fan so he’s been talking him up all week. I think he’s swayed my decision so I’m going Diaz.
Michael Strahan:
I’m gonna tell you who’s gonna win the Diaz/Condit fight. I believe it will be Diaz. I mean he’s aggressive. He’s young. He’s hungry. He’s long, rangy, powerful and the biggest thing is he has an incredible motor. He doesn’t slow down so it should be a great fight and good luck to both fighters.
Dhani Jones:
What’s going on? It’s Dhani Jones. You know, Condit’s gonna win this fight. You know why? Because he’s a natural born killer! He’s a scrapper. He’s the only guy on the mat. That’s what’s up!
Jerry Rice:
I think Nick Diaz is gonna win that fight because you know what? He’s gonna bring the hammer.
Von Miller:
I think Diaz is gonna pull it off. He’s been competing at a high level in these last couple of fights. I wanna see Diaz get it.
Warren Sapp:
Nick Diaz…do what I do to the quarterback. Kill him. It’s just that simple. Kill him. Nick Diaz, love you.
Kurt Warner:
Being an underdog myself, I’ve gotta go with the underdog Carlos Condit. He’s a tenacious, blue-collar guy. He’s gonna stalk his prey…gonna come after him…gonna beat him down. I’m going with the underdog.
NFL Pros picking Diaz: Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Jerry Rice, Von Miller, Warren Sapp
NFL Pros Picking Condit: Dhani Jones, Kurt Warner
Video after the jump…