MMA Bubbles: Nate Diaz

[unclemilty]

In the context of the stock, housing and bond (etc.) markets, a "bubble" describes a situation where the value of assets has inflated beyond what "fundamentals" would dictate.
In other words: overvaluation.

In terms of MMA bubbles, a fighter being over ranked is comparable.

Connor was a great example.
There is no doubt he is a gifted striker with an above average ability to wage mental warfare.
That said, in the first round against Chad he was exposed for his compete lack of grappling ability. He was imploring the referee to stand them up with a distressed look on his face, but this was mostly brushed aside as he won the fight convincingly in the second round and the UFC machine was pushing him forward.
KO'ing Aldo solidified his status as the second coming.

That having said, are we now experiencing more of the same with Nate Diaz?
i.e. having beaten a bubble, is he now intrinsically over valued?

Not to say Nate is not tough as nails and a skilled fighter, but beating a smaller man, with no ground game who essentially gave up shouldn't be the highlight of his career. Frankly I was more impressed with his last fight.

Naturally though, after beating a man with so much hype behind him, much of that hype has transferred and will continue to do so thanks to the upcoming rematch.

What do you think?

 

[nac386]

I don't think Nate is being overvalued right now. People are giving him the credit he deserves for beating a guy who has been on a really great win streak, but nobody is making Nate out to be a superhuman (like they did with Conor).

I actually think it is refreshing to see a guy with 25 fights or so in the UFC to get some positive attention and big money. He earned it the hard way.

 

[Arm Barbarian]

If so, it's one of the most OVERDUE bubbles, ever.

Dude has fought EVERYONE in his division, and been in countless wars, and his pay has been complete shite.

His current fame may be escalated, but he deserves every bit of it.

 

[Oiler]

Its a fair question, but a lot guys nates size would have succumbed. It took a great chin Great cardio great heart. He is no goat, but this is a nice nice win.

 

[dmwalking]

Only if you actually believe the UFC hype machine. But if you know the sport well enough, you know that Nate is used to beating much bigger, and arguably better, fighters. So watching him beat a much smaller fighter isn't too surprising. If you know what you're looking at, much like Nate, you're not surprised. If you actually buy into UFC propaganda, then sure, there's a bubble.

 

[Le Choad]

If anything Conor's fans are still over rating Conor and under rating Nate and they outnumber us of sound mind. Delusion is a bitch.

 

[slipleft]

the UFC machine was pushing him forward.

Conor was pushing himself forward, the UFC acquiesced to fans and gave them what they wanted.

i.e. having beaten a bubble, is he now intrinsically over valued?

What does "intrinsically overvalued" even mean in this context? Fans want to hear from him and to see him fight - his value is exactly what the fans place on him. Nothing more, nothing less. Are you suggesting that his future performance will not live up to the intrigue he has generated? Maybe so, but that isn't "intrinsic value". My home will one day be a pile of shit, that doesn't mean it has no current value.

Anyway, coming back full circle: what do I think? I'm certain that one day he won't be as popular as he is now. Just like, well, everyone ever.

 

[Sparkie]

fighters are always either overvalued or undervalued
this is the entertainment business for fuck sake

 

[trblesome1]

If so, it's one of the most OVERDUE bubbles, ever.

Dude has fought EVERYONE in his division, and been in countless wars, and his pay has been complete shite.

His current fame may be escalated, but he deserves every bit of it.

This all day, Nate has been putting ass in the seats for a long time, since TUF 5 he has been a fan favorite

 

[TrueMykill]

I expected to see this, which I was going to agree with.

 

[VAfan]

I don't think Nate is being overvalued right now. People are giving him the credit he deserves for beating a guy who has been on a really great win streak, but nobody is making Nate out to be a superhuman (like they did with Conor).

I actually think it is refreshing to see a guy with 25 fights or so in the UFC to get some positive attention and big money. He earned it the hard way.

agree with 100%.

i don't think nate is getting overvalued at all right now, he's just getting kudos after a high profile win. you're hearing very few cries for a title shot for nate or anything like that, we've seen much worse in the way of overreactions before after big wins.

 

[cauliflowerlips]

I don't think it is fair to say round 1 of the Mendes fight exposed his "complete lack of grappling ability"... The truth is he was in there with one of the best GnP guys in the game... not just his division. I actually thought that if Chad got him to the ground, it would be much worse for him. So, the fact that Chad couldn't finish Conor and Conor was actually able to get up a few times and stuff a few take downs... To me it validated that he could actually survive even if he got taken down by a good wrestler. I thought he also looked competent on the ground against Nate before the final exchange. But I chalk that up to the gassing... same reason he started getting lit up and went for the weak shot.

As for the rest of your post... I don't disagree.