From Stockton slaps to gogoplatas, Stockton, California’s own Nick Diaz has fulfilled his suspension and will be reinstated into the UFC.
Although Diaz has been out since February of 2015, he has maintained his physical abilities, training with his brother Nate Diaz, Jake Shields, Gilbert Melendez, and other elite level martial artists who are part of the infamous Cesar Gracie Fight Team. Diaz may be known for his taunts and his trash talk to casual martial arts fans, but to fight fans with knowledge of the sport, it’s easy to see Diaz still has game. Nick Diaz turns 33-years-old on August 2, and that raises a few questions; fear not, though, as I’m here to answer them.
Who and when should Nick Diaz fight?
As his brother, Nate, headlines UFC 202 on August 20, without a doubt I would love to see a Diaz duo on that card. However, the Diaz brothers have stated that they don’t want to fight on the same card as each other, plus, coming off two losses and a no contest in his last three fights, I think Nick will be seeking a full camp for his return to the octagon. His last win was in 2011 against B.J. Penn, who also is on suspension and returns at the end of September. If B.J. decides he will fight again at welterweight then a rematch with Nick Diaz is a barn burner. Also, the return of the greatest welterweight of all time, Georges St. Pierre, is being rumoured for UFC 205. If GSP returns there are two fights I can see him taking: a shot at the champ’s belt, or a rematch with Nick Diaz. I see Diaz fighting once by the end of 2016 against a fellow MMA legend.
Another interesting fight is one with the former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. Lawler made the wrong choice in deciding to eat a right hand from Tyron Woodley, and it cost him his belt this past weekend at UFC 201. Robbie and Nick have history, as the two men went to battle at UFC 47 in April of 2004. Until last weekend, Diaz was the first and only man to stop Lawler with strikes, and I’m sure that’s something Robbie wants to avenge. The ‘Ruthless’ one is one of the toughest, most game opponents in MMA, and would be a stiff test for Nick Diaz if they were to fight.
Will Nick Diaz ever be the same?
Nick Diaz has been the same fighter throughout his whole career. With his entertaining style and his intriguing trash talk, it’s hard not to get excited for a Nick Diaz fight. From BJJ to boxing, both Diaz brothers have what it takes to still be on the top of the MMA world. In his last fight with Anderson Silva Diaz’s taunts were beyond insane, making gutsy moves and earning him even more fans.
What is Nick Diaz’s future like?
While Diaz has done wrong, many fighters have done worse. Use of marijuana is illegal in the sport and Diaz broke that rule, but at the end of the day it is in no way a performance enhancing drug. While back in competition Nick will be aware of the rules, and I expect Nick to be at the top of his game day in and day out. With unbeatable cardio, slick BJJ, and crisp boxing, Diaz can still be one of MMA’s best even at 33. Being in one of MMA’s toughest divisions Diaz needs some big names to bring him within the UFC’s top 15 rankings once again. If Diaz obeys the rules and maintains his shape his future is very bright, even at an advanced age.
