"What I believe is, he's a very smart guy. He knows what he's doing. He would not be able to do what he's done in his career if he wasn't smart. I do believe maybe he has some mental issues ... I do not believe he is a bad human being. Truth my eyes, because he has been very disrespectful to me and because maybe we'll fight, he's disrespectful, but to you guys, I'm sure if you saw him and asked him for an autograph he'd give it to you."

-- UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre tells fans at a Q&A today (via Cagewriter) that thinks Nick Diaz is a smart guy. After all, the Stockton bad boy would not have raised his profile in the manner in which he has without some savvy and know how when it comes to the fight game. I mean, there's no way he just stumbled upon fame, right? His schtick may not necessarily be calculated but he definitely knows how to stir the pot just enough to drum up interest for when he steps inside the Octagon to do what he does best ... kick ass. That said, St. Pierre does believe Diaz has some mental issues. He doesn't elaborate on that point, though, choosing instead to be as complimentary as possible, despite his vocal displeasure with how he's been treated by the former Strikeforce welterweight champion. All told, "GSP" is likely right but it doesn't matter in the end. Diaz has to defeat Carlos Condit at UFC 143 tomorrow night (Sat., Feb. 4, 2012) in Las Vegas, Nevada, to set up a potential match-up but even then it's questionable thanks to St. Pierre's ailing knee. But if Diaz does emerge victorious, and the French-Canadian's knee holds up, we could be in for one of the most compelling showdowns in the history of the sport. Mental issues or not, that's something we can all hope for, including St. Pierre. Is there anyone rooting for Carlos Condit tomorrow night?