Nick Diaz is a name that has become one of the most legendary figures in combat sports, and the mixed martial arts fandom was highly looking forward to the return of the Stockton superstar’s comeback to the Octagon after a six-year hiatus, which took place at UFC 266 on 25th September when Diaz faced another hallmark name in the sport, Robbie Lawler, in a rematch that took a whopping seventeen years to come to fruition. While both veterans gathered appreciation for the performance, it was Diaz who didn’t fulfill the expectations for many. Meanwhile, the UFC president Dana White has finally shed some light on Diaz’s comeback, and he believes that the veteran should now consider retiring from the sport.
I just don’t think Nick Diaz does this because he loves it: Dana White
Diaz and Lawler had their first encounter at UFC 47 in April 2004, which was a win for Diaz. However, when the two clashed in a middleweight bout at UFC 266 on 25th September, it started off in level playing fields but as the fight progressed, Lawler gained the upper hand and by round three was able to knock Diaz down. Even though he was allowed to get back on his feet, the 38-year-old decided to retire, awarding Lawler a TKO victory.
Dana White, while shedding praise on Diaz making a comeback to the sport at 38 years of age, felt that the Stockton superstar didn’t do out of his love for the sport, but had to force himself to return to the Octagon.
“I was very impressed with his comeback in September. I had conversations with Robbie Lawler [who beat Diaz] and he had nothing but respect for him and how he fought,” White said in an interview with ESPN. “But regardless of how good Diaz looked, what he did after such a huge layoff, I don’t think Nick should fight. He’s a grown man, he can do whatever he wants. But I just don’t think Nick does this because he loves it. He does it because he has to do it. People always ask me what’s the key to success. It’s all about being happy and doing what you love.”
“When I talk to people who sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic for a job they hate, that’s what I feel like with Nick Diaz. When he’s getting ready to fight, he’s in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It’s actually fascinating. But yeah, for a guy who had been off as long as he had been, nothing but respect for Nick,” the UFC Prez added. [H/T BJPenn.com]
Highlights:
- UFC president Dana White says Nick Diaz should retire from MMA
- Diaz returned to the cage after six years at UFC 266 in September but lost to Robbie Lawler
- White feels Diaz didn’t make his MMA comeback out of love
Do you agree with Dana White? Let us know in the comments.
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