Nick Diaz had some choice words for Georges St. Pierre after battering BJ Penn on his way to victory at UFC 137, calling him out and taunting him. What he said to GSP was basically nonsense, but it didn’t make it any less fun. GSP’s reaction was classic. Here’s the gif, thanks to the UG.

As one of the people in the forum said, if Diaz wanted to fight GSP so badly all he had to do was show up to a press conference. It’s all moot now. Dana White has announced that GSP will indeed fight Nick Diaz, with Condit fighting on the same card. “We spoke about it and if he wins, he will fight the winner of Diaz and GSP,” Dana White said.

“Our goal in developing this fine art line is not to feature fighters in the cage, but rather ‘Beyond the Cage,’ giving fans a rare look into the lives of these world class athletes,” said company spokesman Jerry G. “This artwork captures the true essence of these elite fighters…a glimpse into their personal lives, their training lives, and their hearts.”

In an effort to preserve the history of mixed martial arts and offer its fans a new level of collectible merchandise, Beyond the Cage spent countless hours creating what is believed to be the best artwork on the market.

In addition, Beyond the Cage has traveled all over the world to personally present the artwork to the fighters and have them approve and sign many of the pieces bearing their images.

The artwork has been produced in very limited editions utilizing only the highest quality materials, inclusive of museum grade paper, metal and acrylic. A glimpse of the fighters who have signed art for Beyond the Cage reads as a who’s who of MMA royalty: UFC welterweight champion Georges “Rush” St-Pierre, UFC Hall of Famer Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, UFC middleweight champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva, “Ultimate Fighter” winner and former UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, former WEC featherweight champion Urijah “The California Kid” Faber and MMA legend Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva to name a few.

Standing out as a pioneer in MMA merchandising, Beyond the Cage is the first company to not only offer a high quality fine art line focused on MMA, but also the first to have a Notary Public present at most autograph signings to witness the authenticity of the fighter’s signature. This element truly solidifies the rarity and uniqueness of the artwork.

“We believe the Beyond the Cage MMA Fine Art Line is the ‘Crown Jewel’ of consumer products for the sport,” said Jerry. “Beyond the Cage is proud to have its artwork hang in many of the homes and gyms of these warriors. MMA fans can now own something truly unique and rare.”

Beyond the Cage accomplished its goal of bringing fine art to the MMA marketplace by working side by side with the world’s premier MMA photographer, Eric Williams. A commercially successful photographer, Williams and Beyond the Cage had the same vision of MMA as fine art and joined forces to make this a reality for the world.

“The fan base, and the emotional attachment fans have to the fighters, is unmatched in any other sport,” commented Jerry. “We at Beyond the Cage have the same passion for the sport as the fans. We love MMA, we love the fighters, respect their talents, and appreciate their heroic efforts.”

Georges St. Pierre looks to defend his welterweight title against Carlos Condit at UFC 137. Here is the first preview video from the UFC.

Do you think Condit can beat GSP?

Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva are arguably the top two MMA fighters in the world at this time. Dana White has stated that he thinks Silva is the greatest MMA fighter of all-time. I wonder what GSP thinks about that. Would he agree? Do fans agree?

Let’s take a look at their accomplishments.

Silva: Former Cage Rage and Shooto middleweight champion. Current UFC middleweight champ, a title which he has defended 9 times. 14-0 in UFC fights.

GSP: Former TKO Canadian welterweight champ. Current UFC welterweight champion. Won the title, lost it, won the interim title and then reclaimed the belt. Has defended it 6 times since then, and will fight Nick Diaz at UFC 137. 16-2 in the UFC.

Silva notable victories: Sonnen, Belfort, Maia, Griffin, Henderson, Franklin (2x), Marquardt, Sakaurai, Newton, Horn and Leben.

GSP notable victories: Shields, Koscheck, Serra, Fitch, Hughes (2x), Penn (2x), Sherk, Trigg, Mayhem Miller, Hieron, Parisyan.

It could be argued that GSP has beaten more legends, but Silva certainly scores wins in more impressive fashion. There can be no doubt that Silva thrills fans on a higher level.

How about endorsements? Silva just scored a Burger King deal. St. Pierre totally has him here. GSP has Under Armour, Affliction and of course, GSP’s workout DVDs, “Rush Fit”. That doesn’t matter in the cage, but popularity/likability plays into how fans pick their favorites.

Both are outstanding champions. GSP is more popular here in North America, and Silva more in South America. Right now the edge might go to Silva. But what about if GSP beats Diaz at UFC 137? That would make it a much tougher call, but then we will probably get the GSP vs. Silva superfight.

What say you?

Tim Stroud: Tell me a little about BRVRY and how it was created.

Troy Maddox: It started out as an idea a few years ago. The name just came to me and after thinking of a particular selling market, it just made sense. I really didn’t come up with a strong design idea until getting into the show, ‘Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory’. That’s how I came up with the extreme sports design concept.

Tim: What kind of merchandise does BRVRY offer?

Troy: Right now BRVRY offers men’s and women’s t-shirts, custom vinyl graphics kits for ATV’s and dirt bikes, and accessories, such as die-cut vinyl stickers.

Tim: Is there anything new coming soon?

Troy: There will be hats available in the very near future, along with plenty of other products, including hoodies and fight shorts.

Tim: I’m aware that you are looking to sponsor MMA fighters. What about BRVRY fits with the MMA audience?

Troy: I try and stay with an edgy, aggressive, but different design style with all of BRVRY apparel, which should appeal to a lot of MMA and extreme sport fans.

Tim: Who is your favorite MMA fighter(s) right now?

Troy: I would have to say that my favorite fighters right now are Jon Jones, Mike Swick and Georges St. Pierre.

Tim: Are you looking to sponsor anyone other than MMA fighters? If so, who?

Troy: Yes, I’m looking to eventually sponsor many different extreme sport athletes, i.e. skateboarders and dirt riders (ATV, motocross).

Tim: How can people contact you about getting sponsored by BRVRY?

Troy: For information on sponsorship, you can contact me at gotvtec4@hotmail.com.

Tim: I’ve noticed that people can purchase apparel & gear online. Is there any other location where your gear is available?

Troy: I do have an online store at BRVRY.com. As of right now, there is just one retail shop that sells BRVRY gear and that place is SnakeSkin Tattoo in Decatur, IL.

Tim: Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know about BRVRY?

Troy: For anyone out there looking for a unique, positive, always fresh apparel company, have a look at BRVRY Apparel & Gear!

Tim: Thank you for your time and best of luck.

Troy: Thanks and don’t forget to follow BRVRY on Facebook.

by Tim Stroud

The 2011 ESPYS, hosted by Seth Meyers, will air live on ESPN this Wednesday, July 13^th at 8pm CT. The ESPYS are always fun to watch and this year should be no different. It’s always great to see which player, team, coach or moment will win each award, but it’s even better that mixed martial artists are nominated.

This year, five different mixed martial artists are nominated for three different awards. Anthony Pettis was placed in a bracket of 16 plays to determine the award for Best Play. Pettis is listed as the 11^th seed against the 6^th seeded Oklahoma State football team. Pettis’ “Showtime Kick” against Ben Henderson was one of the best moves ever pulled off in MMA. However, the fans voted for Oklahoma State for its “Tag Team Interception”. Yes, the interception was great, but Pettis deserved to move on to the Elite Eight.

Fabricio Werdum vs. Fedor Emelianenko is nominated for the Best Upset award. I’m sure the Fedor will be there with a big smile on his face. Werdum & Fedor are up against the VCU run in the NCAA Tournament, Blame beating Zenyatta at the Breeders’ Cup and the Seahawks win over the Saints in the NFL Playoffs. As big of an upset that Werdum had over Fedor, I don’t see them winning this award. I feel that VCU or the Seahawks are the favorites.

Finally, we have the Best Fighter award. If there is any category that fits MMA, this is the one. The UFC have two fighters, Jon Jones and Georges St. Pierre, up for this award, so one or both will go home unhappy. Jones and GSP have some tough competition with Bernard Hopkins, Sergio Martinez and Manny Pacquiao. I hope that MMA fans took to their computers and voted for Jones or GSP, but I think Pacquiao will be the victor.

It will be upsetting if none of these great fighters go home a winner on Wednesday, but it’s great that MMA guys are involved in such a high-profile, mainstream event. MMA is growing each year and ESPN and other networks are certainly taking notice.

Affliction Retrospect Tee

“My medical condition is called Hyphema. My vision is still blurry and my eye sensitive but the blood in my eye has now been absorbed…”

While it’s great to hear that the champ will not have any enduring problems with his eye, he has come under fire for another fight that to some fans seemed like a glorified sparring match. One person even gave him the nickname of “G-Sleepy”.

The fight with Nick Diaz is the only fight that makes sense at this point. It’s the fight that everyone wants to see and simply put, it’s time that GSP got into an all-out war. Nick Diaz will do that, as he does not settle for non-action in the cage.

There’s nothing at all wrong with how GSP has been dominating his opponents, and he has surely cemented his spot in MMA history as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

But there clearly is another level of engagement, a higher level of dominance that he can attain.

GSP continually talks about how he’s always evolving and getting better as a martial artist. Are we seeing that in the Octagon? What most fans are looking for is a not just a dominant win, but a severe beating or a spectacular finish.

If it seems like GSP’s destruction of BJ Penn was years ago, it because it was. That was the last time GSP did not go to a decision. Winning and retaining your title is great, but we want to see a fight.

That’s why Diaz is the perfect opponent for GSP right now. It will be a fierce battle, whether GSP wants it or not.

The wait is over. UFC 129 takes place tomorrow at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, and sports stars, celebs and media are making their picks.

SHANE VICTORINO, Gold Glove Centerfielder from the Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“I’m gonna have to say ‘Rush’ is the favorite, but I won’t put it past Shields for an upset victory. Shields by submission!”

ARIEL HELWANI, MMA reporter, MMAFighting.com and Versus.com

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“Shields is as tough as they come, but I just can’t see him taking this fight to the ground, which is where he needs it to be. Even if he does score the odd takedown, he won’t be able to dominate GSP on the mat like he has against his previous opponents. GSP wins all five rounds due to superior striking and his solid takedown defense en route to a unanimous decision victory.”

DAVID HAYE, WBA Heavyweight boxing champion

Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“Shields is the underdog, but believe me, this is the year of the underdog. Just like when I KO Wladimir Klitschko in July, an underdog could send a stadium full of fans home very unhappy at UFC 129.”

MARK LA MONICA, Newsday (New York)

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“Picking GSP to win a fight is like picking all the favorites in March Madness. You may get sneered at for picking the obvious, but you usually finish in the money in your office pool.”

KEVIN IOLE, Yahoo! Sports

Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“I think Shields will take this. The fight will go to the ground at some point, and I think Shields has an advantage there. Jake is a different sort of fighter, a different sort of grappler, to the ones Georges has been beating. I think Georges is going to try to do what he did to Josh Koscheck and use his jab and strike from a long range, but I think at some point it will go to the ground and Shields will win.”

TABOO, Black Eyed Peas

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“GSP and Shields are both on top of their games, but I would have to give the edge to GSP. He’s got the Canadian home field advantage and I feel like it’s GSP’s time right now, but I gotta feeling that night’s gonna be a good night for the UFC.”

GARETH A. DAVIES, Daily Telegraph and ESPN

Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“All champions have to lose at some point and I think Shields has a style that makes him a serious threat to GSP. Shields was immense against Henderson but I’m hearing St-Pierre has been magnificent in training, which makes me hesitate to pick against him. I think this really could go either way; it is certainly the most intriguing GSP fight in years. I may change my mind once I see them at the weight-in but, right now, I am feeling the upset.”

J.S. GIGUERE, Goaltender, Toronto Maple Leafs, Stanley Cup winner

Prediction:  GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I have to go with GSP, he’s just too well rounded. Plus I have to go with the Quebec guy.”

NEIL DAVIDSON, The Canadian Press

PREDICTION: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“The champion is a savvy fighter with a lot of weapons. Some say he plays it safe, but he wins fights and dominates opponents. Shields is tough and durable but he does not have GSP’s arsenal. One mistake could cost the champion, but otherwise look for a comprehensive GSP victory by decision.”

SERGIO NON, USA Today:

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“Jake Shields’ advantage is his top game in grappling, but to use it, he’ll need to keep GSP on his back. He won’t. St-Pierre wins by third-round TKO.”

CHUCK LIDDELL, UFC Hall of Famer

Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“Jake Shields is a bad man. He’s a tough guy, he’s awkward to deal with and he uses stuff that is so different to other guys that he catches opponents off guard. He’s got awkward takedowns that are hard to defend. So it’s going to be an interesting fight for St-Pierre. But I do think that Jake will need to get it to the ground to win. I’m picking Jake to submit him.”

CHEF MICHAEL SYMON, Food Network’s Iron Chef America and host of Food Feuds

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I’m saying St-Pierre. He is technically just too good.”

MATT HUGHES, UFC Hall of Famer and former two-time UFC welterweight champion

Prediction:  GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“GSP will win fairly easy. I think this fight will go much the same way the GSP-Koscheck fight went.  GSP is the better wrestler, the better striker, and he will be able to control and dominate wherever the fight goes.  I really just don’t see any way that Shields is going to be able to win this fight.”

NOEL CLARKE, BAFTA-winning film director and actor
Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS
“I’m gonna go out on a limb and pick Shields. GSP has all the tools to beat him, but for me, he is at a psychological disadvantage. He hasn’t finished anyone in a while and he showed that frustration after the Koscheck fight. If Shields can take the early onslaught, GSP will get more desperate to finish, make a mistake and Shields will get him.”

CLARKE MACARTHUR, Left Wing, Toronto Maple Leafs

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I think GSP will win by first round submission. He’s way too well rounded a fighter. Shields is tough and dangerous on the ground, but I think GSP is on another level.”

JEREMY BOTTER, Heavy.com

Prediction: JAKE SHIELDS

“It’s very difficult to pick against a fighter who will go down as one of the greatest this sport has ever seen, but I have to. Simply put, Jake Shields is a winner. When faced with insurmountable odds, he excels. Few gave him a chance in the world against Dan Henderson. He was supposed to be a stepping stone, a guy to give Henderson a nice win in his Strikeforce debut, and Shields spoiled everything. He’s going to do the same thing to St-Pierre, and it won’t matter that 55,000 people are rooting against him.”

DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON, star of the hit movie Fast Five

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I think it’s going to be a five round epic war that redefines both fighters. I respect Shields too damn much to say it’ll end any other way. GSP, the best fighter on the planet, wins in the 5th.”

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL, NBA superstar, Boston Celtics

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

BRIAN DAWKINS, NFL Pro Bowl Safety, Denver Broncos

Prediction: GEORGES ST-PIERRE

“I believe St-Pierre will be too much. He has all around talent, striking power and he’s a ground technician. He has no true weakness!”

‘The Most Ignorant MMA Comment of the Week‘ comes from a reader’s reaction to Ben Fowlkes’ UFC 129 cutlist column at MMA Fighting.

Fowlkes’ column talks about who needs a win most at UFC 129, lest they get the axe from Dana White. It’s good stuff and we enjoy it.

But as good as it was it could not compare to the very first comment left by someone by the name of “tezzdatdue”.

Yep, those 55,000 fans that are packing the Rogers Centre for a record-breaking UFC event and the millions of GSP fans watching on pay-per-view are all going to cut bait if GSP beats Jake Shields — who hasn’t lost since before tezzdatdue started watching TUF — by decision.

Congrats to tezzdatdude. You sir, have ‘The Most Ignorant MMA Comment of the Week’.