MMAConvert.com

Image courtesy of CombatLifestyle.com

In what will surely be a fast-paced and explosive fight, legendary fighter Frank Shamrock faces off against the durable Nick Diaz at the upcoming Strikeforce card on Showtime, April 11th.

Recently, we had the opportunity to talk to Frank and he filled us in on a number of important issues in his career, including the feud with the Gracie Camp, a probable move to professional boxing after rematches against Tito and Cung, the death of Tapout’s Mask, and what kind of books he reads to pump him up for his fights.

MMAConvert.com: Thanks a lot for taking time to talk to us Frank.
Shamrock: Not a problem at all, my pleasure.

MMAConvert.com: First off, how did the fight with Nick Diaz come about? Was this a fight you wanted or was it Diaz that was calling you out?
Shamrock: Well I got a call from Scott Coker and he said that he had just signed the Showtime agreement. He needed a big main event so I said, “Count me in.” Then, Scott called back about two days later and said, “What do you think about Nick Diaz?” and I said, “Uh, Nick who?” [Laughs]. Scott asked, “Well how about fighting him?” and I said, “I’d be happy to fight him.” And that was it.

MMAConvert.com: Do you feel you still have anything to prove against the Gracie camp? Is this fight with Diaz still an extension of that feud?
Shamrock: Well, I think I already proved everything; I knocked one of them out standing up and knocked one of them out on my back. I don’t what else there is to prove. I think that just stepping in their with a young guy who’s got a lot of good skills is enough for me these days.

MMAConvert.com: Despite the fact that you’re the one going down in weight and Nick’s the one going up, you’re being touted as the smaller fighter. What’s your reaction to that?
Shamrock: I think I’m the smaller fighter [Laughs]. I think I’m the little guy. Nick’s like 6’3. The last time I saw him he was easily 185 pounds and I’m only 5’10 and 183 pounds.

MMAConvert.com: How much weight are you cutting to get down to 179 pounds?
Shamrock: Well my natural body weight is about 183 pounds. I’ll be at around 186 pounds so I’ll probably have to cut about 5 or 6 pounds.

The press release:

Frank Shamrock vs. Phil Baroni – Rd. 1

Round two of the Shamrock/Baroni fight, plus Frank’s match against Cesar Gracie after the jump.

Or just buying time?