Who is The Skrap Pack, exactly?

The Skrap Pack comprises of Cesar Gracie jiu-jitsu students Gilbert Melendez, Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, Daniel Roberts, Nate Diaz and David Terrell. With the inner workings of some gyms causing all kinds of rifts and splits, they might be the tightest group of fighters in MMA.

When you look at the scene in MMA as far as teams go, they've stayed together regardless of hardships, and they've done a sound job so far of helping each other get progressively better in certain areas of the fight game.

They don't mind other guys coming to their neck of the woods to train, as can be expected from a good amount of gyms in the MMA world, but unlike some that often make the headlines for management issues, they realize what goes in to becoming the best fighter in the sport.

Sure, the individuals put forth the effort, but what helps the individuals in putting forth the effort into progressing as a fighter is the consistent motivation from the team and their coach, which helps drive the individuals as they gradually improve their physical abilities as a fighter.

Will the clear camaraderie of The Skrap Pack play any role in Shields' performance tomorrow night against Yoshihiro Akiyama?

If it does, you can expect Shields to talk about it in the post-fight interview, provided he beats Akiyama.

After all, The Skrap Pack stays together no matter what, right?