“CTE Is So Bad He Thinks Adesanya Is Still Champ”- UFC World Warns Nick Diaz Over Nonsense Matchup, Suggests Conor McGregor Instead
Follow Us
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 31: Nick Diaz stands in the Octagon after his middleweight bout during the UFC 183 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 31, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Nick Diaz returned from a six-year hiatus in 2021 when he fought former rival Robbie Lawler for a second time in his career at UFC 266. The former Strikeforce welterweight champion did not look like his old self and suffered a TKO loss in the third round. Now, a year after UFC 266, the elder Diaz is planning another comeback for 2023, but this time at middleweight. To the surprise of many, the 39-year-old wants the cream of the crop at 185 lbs in Israel Adesanya. However, the fans are advising Diaz to rethink this bold callout.
Diaz was a fan favorite in the UFC and holds wins over legends like BJ Penn. However, he tested positive for marijuana following his fight with Anderson Silva in 2015. The Nevada State Athletic Commission subsequently placed a 5-year ban on Diaz.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans react to Nick Diaz wanting to fight Israel Adesanya
The Diaz brothers have a reputation for always being ready to throw hands. Part of their large fan following is because of this mentality of theirs. However, after his previous performance, fans are finding it difficult to rally behind Nick Diaz for his Israel Adesanya callout.
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 31: (R-L) Nick Diaz taunts Anderson Silva of Brazil in their middleweight bout during the UFC 183 event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 31, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Responding to the news on Twitter, one fan proposed a welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards instead of the Adesanya fight. He had his reasons for the suggestion, too.
Trending
How Did Francis Ngannou’s Son Die? All We Know So Far About 15-Month-Old Kobe’s Death
April 30, 2024 12:32 PM EDT
MMA News Roundup: Conor McGregor Calls for “Lifetime Ban” on Ryan Garcia, Alex Pereira Says Jiri Prochazka Next, Jon Jones Confirms Interest in ‘Poatan’ & Tom Aspinall
May 03, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
“Literally Some Random Loser”- Jon Jones Finally Breaks Silence on Latest Controversy, Faced With Serious Allegations
May 02, 2024 07:40 PM EDT
Devin Haney Gives Conor McGregor a Fitting Response After “Lifetime Ban” Demands for Ryan Garcia Post Failed PED Test
May 03, 2024 11:50 AM EDT
Canelo Alvarez Rings the Alarm Bells for Nate Diaz as Boxer Drops In at Jorge Masvidal’s Camp One Month Before Fight
May 03, 2024 07:40 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
@nickdiaz209 vs @Leon_edwardsmma I feel like Nick deserves that since they ruined his career over weed, which is now legal and promoted by fighters on stage! He was one of the best at that time. Give the man a shot to end it on top. You wanna sell PPVs? That’s how it’s done!
— TedWardoFriedland (@FG4Friedland) December 13, 2022
Responding to the previous suggestion, another fan suggested big-money fights against Conor McGregor as a better alternative.
I’d rather see Nick vs Conor. Conor needs a win, vs Nick that’s possible. Nick deserves a big fight/payday and there’s no bigger then Conor regardless of what you think of him. Plus the history with Nate, I think it would sell big
— Silky (@Silky1916) December 13, 2022
Diaz’s callout did not impress one fan who accused them of being more talk than action.
It's all talk, I love the Diaz brothers but I don't think anyone in the sport talks as much at the same time doing very little.
Barely ever fight, just go around slapping people and running away.
— Graham Clairmount (@GzaOb1) December 13, 2022
Similarly, another fan recommended Nick Diaz against this venture.
Might be better for you to sit this one out dawg
— Jey Matinay (@JMatinay) December 13, 2022
One fan pointed out how the Diaz brothers make outrageous callouts.
His bro was targeting Ngannou now he is targeting Adesanya lol
— Darlington N (@Blygn93) December 13, 2022
Another fan also recommended a McGregor fight or a Jorge Masvidal grudge match for his 2019 beating of Nate Diaz.
While beating Adesanya is an impossible task for Nick, if he’s being real that he’ll come back better in 2023, McGregor at 170 would be a fun one. Someone like Jorge Masvidal, get revenge for him beating Nate, lot of good fights for him in the UFC right now.
— C$D Lunch77 (@Lunch77Beatz) December 13, 2022
One concerned fan thoroughly advised against the Adesanya fight, citing his performance versus Lawler last year.
Please, no. Could barely handle a sparring match with an end of his career Lawler and your target is Izzy!?
— Rob Gibby (@_GibStik_) December 13, 2022
One fan simply joked about the callout.
I think his CTE is so bad that he thinks Adesanya is still champ
— 100 (@Menacee0) December 13, 2022
Diaz could not make the welterweight limit for his bout in 2021. Hence, a return at middleweight seems like a logical choice for the veteran. He had previously called out Kamaru Usman earlier this year when he was 170 lbs champion.
The Only 2 Times Nick Diaz Has Ever Been Knocked Out in His MMA Career
While fans are concerned about Diaz, the general of the Diaz army is fully confident in himself and vouched for it during a recent public appearance.
Nick Diaz’s plan for 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
During an appearance at Crazy Horse 3 in Las Vegas for UFC 282, Diaz opened up about his ambitions for 2023. “You can see me back on top in 2023. I’m making a comeback,” said Diaz. The jiu-jitsu black belt assured h will be his best version for the upcoming year.
“I’m going to be quicker than ever, stronger than ever, better than ever — I’m just gonna be a whole new me. Whoever is on top at the time [I want], preferably Israel Adesanya, if he gets his title back.”
The Diaz brothers have always brought enormous hype and entertainment to their fights. While Nick Diaz vs. Israel Adesanya seems unlikely, it would be interesting to see if Diaz indeed returns in 2023.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story– Five times Nick Diaz obliterated his opponents during his MMA career
What are your thoughts on the callout? Who do you want to see Nick Diaz fight if he returns to action in 2023? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by:
Edited by:
Vineet Nandwana
