If Nick Diaz wins...

I don't want anyone of you haters jumping on the bandwagon.

Penn -130

Diaz Even

Here's how I look at it. Cesar has mentioned in an interview, that it isn't fair to the fans that Diaz/GSP was tossed out the window after the Diaz(no-show) press conference incident. He questioned why Dana White didn't just slap a huge fine on Diaz for missing a petty press conference....
This is a kick in the shins for Diaz. He back tracks and takes a step back instead of moving forward and jumping into a title fight. He had his chance and didn't take the press conference(including the fancy stuff that goes with being a fighter in the biggest organization in the world) seriously. Now he has to face someone who is of equal threat but more technical and will have to put his best performance to put away BJ. GSP would have made it more difficult for Diaz because of the wrestling GSP possesses. 
Now Diaz has to fight someone he respects and admires as a fighter, who he has trained with in the past. This is probably harder to swallow for him because now he doesn't get a huge pay day for the title fight, and all the enjoyments afterwards of being champion in the UFC. He would have had it made finally in his career and he basically stomped on the opportunity. The casual fan would have finally been familiar with Nick Diaz(brash,blunt, and a colorful personality that comes with his bad boy image). If GSP was beaten. We would be able to see how he reacts and which direction his career takes him. We would have had an exciting champion who could have turned a lot of heads and brought more fans on board to this amazing sport.
This won't be an easy fight for Diaz especially knowing he has to face someone like BJ who will be constantly a foot or two in front of him standing and banging. BJ is exquisite on the ground and he won't have to worry about Diaz using any kind of wrestling to control his posture or rubber guard. So no matter where this fight goes it's going to be entertaining. 
That's why this switch is more intriguing. Condit deserves his shot and now Diaz has to prove himself and come back from his actions.
Yes I'll give props to Diaz if he can beat BJ, but he has a lot more to prove in the division before anyone will jump on his bandwagon especially after the stunt he pulled.
*So basically the subliminal message behind my post is my feelings of disappointment with Nick and his actions, but it'll all happen for a reason. It's just unfortunate for the hardcore fans for Nick, and it's a shame to see such a talented fighter do this. I hope the best in his career and hope he can finally get his big pay day and dream to touch the UFC belt, but right now he has to worry about a scary opponent "The Prodigy". Thanks for reading this long ass novel!

* Edited at 09.09.2011, 11:37 PM ET *

thats just about even. i would not be surprised if diaz is the favorite in a week. remember diaz went from -375 to -250 vs gsp.

I see Diaz winning by TKO late in the 2nd... mostly because I still want to see him fight GSP. We, the fans are the biggest winners for getting to watch this fight, no matter who has their hand raised at the end!!

if diaz and penn go to the ground..I'LL SOIL MYSELF WITH HAPPINESS!!! lol...maybe not...but that still is a AWESOME thought

Diaz knows his back is against the wall with Dana White, and the organization in general.  He gave up his Strikeforce title to fight in the UFC.  I see Diaz going "all out" for this fight with Penn trying to keep pace with Nick's cardio. 

I think Nick will lose this fight,

He's like a worse version of Penn; only Diaz's cardio exceeds his.