Diaz, Lauzon and Wiman to compete in UFC Ultimate Fighter 5

by MMAmania.com on Jan 17, 2007 10:48 AM EST

Nathan Diaz Dan Lauzon Matt Wiman ufc
The fifth season of the Ultimate Fighter (TUF) began filming this week and with it a few identities are starting to emerge.

And, it looks to be a talent-rich cast ... at least for now.

Nathan Diaz (5-2), Dan Lauzon (3-1) and Matt Wiman (6-3) are three of the 16 lightweight prospects we can expect to see on SpikeTV this spring battle it out for a UFC contract, according to MMAWeekly.com.

Granted, there are 13 other fighters yet to be announced. But if these guys are any indication, we can expect some solid competition on the upcoming season.

Diaz — the younger brother of 10-time UFC fight veteran Nick Diaz (14-6) — trains with an excellent camp at Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He has three fights with the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) promotion to his credit, and most recently lost to Hermes Franca (17-5) via armbar at WEC 24.

Lauzon — the younger brother of one-time UFC fight veteran Joe Lauzon (14-3) — is the youngest fighter to ever fight in the UFC. The 18-year-old Massachusetts native looked game early in his bout with Spencer Fisher (19-2) at UFC 64, but eventually succumbed to strikes late in the first round.

Keep in mind, Joe was brought in as a last minute replacement for Naoyuki Kotani and had only two weeks to prepare. And, going up against a guy like Fisher, he wasn't given the best chance to win.

Wiman — who may or may not have an older brother — is a jiu-jitsu blue belt from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He, too, lost to Fisher in highlight reel fashion at UFC 60 courtesy of a flying knee in round two.

As we mentioned in our recent post about Clay Guida, fighters with no more than one career UFC fight were eligible for Ultimate Fighter 5. And, the contestants range in experience levels.

I can't wait for the first show to air on April 5. This is shaping up to be an exciting season with a lot of young and promising fighters.

Something that we certainly missed out on during "The Comeback."

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Comments

This is great news. I like the Diaz brothers, Nate should do well!

by Conner on Jan 17, 2007 12:18 PM EST reply actions

i like the diaz bros as well, they are well trained smart shit talking fighters, love their attitudes…this is gonna be a great season with everyone in the house competing in the same weight class, should make for some serious competition, can’t wait…

by tha spida on Jan 17, 2007 12:32 PM EST reply actions

Is Nathan anything like his brother? If so I think it will cause a lot of problems in the house. Nicke is such angry and confrontational dude!

by Scout on Jan 17, 2007 3:32 PM EST reply actions

Is Nathan anything like his brother? If so I think it will cause a lot of problems in the house. Nicke is such angry and confrontational dude!

All I have to say is I hope Nate gets his GANGSTER THUG MOUTH kicked in. If he acts like that on the street he going end up with a bullet in his head because his fighting skills will not save him. Don’t get me wrong I think he is a GREAT Mixed Martial Artist and has a TON of potential and skill. But his MOUTH and BODY LANGUAGE are more of a STREET THUG than that of a PROFESSIONAL Mixed Martial Artist. It is one thing to trash talk but to act like a HOOD RAT is another. If he cleans it up I would be a BIG FAN.

by Sargon2000 on May 12, 2007 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

joe lauzon not dan.

by Ransdell on Jun 10, 2007 3:02 AM EDT reply actions

My money is on Nate! Diaz brothers kick ass!

by Judy Hansen on Jun 13, 2007 3:11 AM EDT reply actions

Keep in mind, JOE was brought in as a last minute replacement for Naoyuki Kotani and had only two weeks to prepare. And, going up against a guy like Fisher, he wasn’t given the best chance to win

DAN, not Joe??!?!?!!???

by Lokamoka7 on Sep 21, 2007 10:45 PM EDT reply actions