Tom Gavrilos: Enough attitude and ego are here to fill the stadium. I’m not sure what Frank’s deal is, but he stood up with Cung Le when he clearly should have finished him on the ground. [On] one hand, [he] sounds like someone who wants to make an exciting fight even if it’s a bad decision. On the other hand, he stood up with Cung Le. Diaz is a BJJ beast and is very smart with his stand-up. [He throws] many small dizzying punches instead of looking to hit a home run every time. This one is close, but Frank is very hard to submit and hits hard standing. Diaz will have his hands full. My pick is Shamrock.
Randy Couture: I believe Frank will be too much for Nick, but Nick has tremendous heart. You can never count him out. It should be a good scrap.
Stav Economou: I’m really not sure which way to go. Nick Diaz is so tough, and Frank always comes into a fight so well prepared; it’s just really difficult to decide on a winner. This is a fight I never thought I would see, and I just can’t wait to see it. Don’t know why, but I’ve got a feeling that Frank is going to win a decision.
Patrick Cote: Tough call. I don’t like both (laughs). Seriously, I like Diaz, but he is not powerful enough for Shamrock. So I’ll go with Shamrock.
Elvis Sinosic: This is an interesting fight. Diaz has very underrated stand-up. He uses his reach well and has the ability to stifle opponents. His ground work is great. The only area he is probably lacking is his takedowns, but he’s not afraid to pull guard. Frank has very good stand-up, effective wrestling and strong grappling. Frank at times appears to lack takedown defense. Both guys are known for their conditioning, so I don’t think this will play a part in the match at all. I don’t think Nick will catch Frank in a sub, even if he gets on top, as Frank has very good submission defense. Frank won’t catch Nick in a sub. I can’t see Nick stopping Frank with strikes. I do think that Frank can stop Nick with a TKO or cut stoppage. I think Frank has the stronger all-around game. Look for Frank to win this either by a late TKO or a decision.
Nick Thompson: I think Diaz is the better fighter, but Shamrock is the smarter fighter. I am going with brain over brawn, as Shamrock wins a unanimous decision by out-striking Diaz.
Scott Bieri: In the time of [no holds barred], Frank Shamrock was one of the first true mixed martial artists. Watching “The Legend” defend his middleweight title against Tito Ortiz live at UFC 22, I can’t help but be a fan. Alas, another evolution is here in Nick Diaz. I can’t see Frank in too many places in this fight other than [on] the end of Nick’s rangy punches or tangled in his jiu-jitsu.
Mark Selbee: Diaz has the heart of a lion and the attitude of a stone cold gangster. Security would be wise to pat him down before he enters the ring. I wouldn’t put it past Diaz to try sneaking in a weapon. He has strikes that can score from the outside, [coupled] with world-class submissions. Everyone knows Shamrock is one of the best all-around MMA fighters, a certain hall of famer. Let’s hope he hangs it up much sooner than his big brother. This fight comes down to strength. Diaz lacks the muscle to finish the bigger, stronger Shamrock. Shamrock wins this one by pulling both of Diaz’s middle fingers completely off his hands.
Pros that picked Shamrock: 20
Pros that picked Diaz: 8
Pros that did not decide: 1