Tag: Nick Diaz

Nick Diaz reacts to UFC 266 loss to Robbie Lawler: ‘I knew I had it coming’

After his UFC 266 loss to Robbie Lawler, Nick Diaz gave his take on what transpired and what went wrong.

[autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag] competed for the first time in over six years Saturday and he wasn’t totally surprised the result didn’t go his way.

Following his UFC 266 loss to [autotag]Robbie Lawler[/autotag], a third-round TKO stoppage, Diaz (26-10 MMA, 7-7 UFC) was interviewed in the cage by color commentator and former UFC champion Daniel Cormier.

From the moment Cormier introduced Diaz, the crowd voiced their approval of the Stockton, Calif. representative. As Diaz wiped his nose, he smiled.

“I’m glad I at least put on a show,” Diaz said. “I knew I had it coming, Old Rob. I had a lot of stress coming into this one, especially being off for a long time. I don’t have no excuses. I had a long time off and I knew I had it coming.”

Diaz, 38, then reiterated a sentiment he vocalized during an ESPN interview Wednesday. He was puzzled by how the rematch against Lawler (29-15 MMA, 15-11 UFC) got set up and indicated old members of his management group may have not been clear about their business moves.

“I don’t know how this fight got set up,” Diaz said. “I had a switch-up in my whole management set-up and the way the fight got set up. It was just a bum wrap. But no excuses. I had it coming. He was in great shape. I knew I was leaking here, so I didn’t want to make too much of a mess. I’m glad to be back. I’m glad I put on a good show for you.”

Prior to UFC 266, Diaz hadn’t fought since January 2015 when he lost to Anderson Silva at UFC 183 in a fight that would later be overturned to a “no contest” due to a positive drug test by “The Spider.”

UFC 266 took place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPNews/ESPN+.

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Twitter reacts to Robbie Lawler’s TKO of Nick Diaz to spoil return at UFC 266

See the top Twitter reactions to Robbie Lawler’s TKO of Nick Diaz in their rematch at UFC 266.

[autotag]Robbie Lawler[/autotag] took the wind out of the sails around [autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag]’s anticipated return when he came out victorious in their UFC 266 rematch.

Lawler (29-15 MMA, 14-9 UFC) not only derailed Diaz’s (26-10 MMA, 7-7 UFC) heavily hyped comeback fight with third-round TKO win, but he got revenge of his 2004 loss in the first meeting between the two.

Moreover, the former UFC champ snapped his four-fight losing skid in the welterweight bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Check below for the top Twitter reactions to Lawler’s victory over Diaz at UFC 266.

UFC 266 results: Robbie Lawler stops bloodied Nick Diaz after unusual fight-ending sequence

At UFC 266, Robbie Lawler and Nick Diaz traded blows until the latter couldn’t continue – and the fight was waved off in Round 3.

At UFC 266, [autotag]Robbie Lawler[/autotag] and [autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag] went to war – but it was “Ruthless” who came out on top.

In a five-round non-title middleweight feature bout, Lawler (29-15 MMA, 14-9 UFC) defeated Diaz (26-10 MMA, 7-7 UFC) via TKO at 0:44 of Round 3 and avenged a loss from 17 years ago.

The middleweight bout was part of the UFC 266 main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews and ESPN+.

The fight between Diaz and Lawler was a rematch 17 years in the making. The pair last shared the octagon back in 2004 at UFC 47. Diaz won the bout with a memorable knockout, putting away Lawler in the second round.

The fight began in a wild fashion as Diaz attempted a jumping spinning back kick, which missed. He ducked under a Lawler combination and the two broke a clinch. Lawler immediately got aggressive and pummeled away at Diaz, who covered up. Diaz fired back with some slow combinations.

As Round 1 progressed, both fighters exchanged. While Lawler looked to land the power shots, Diaz resorted to his vintage “death-by-a-thousand-paper-cuts” type striking. Lawler finished the round strong.

In Round 2, Lawler landed the first visibly pain-inducing shot – a liver kick to which Diaz reacted noticeably. Diaz strolled away and recovered quickly before the two entered more continuous boxing exchanges. In the final seconds of the round, Lawler landed a flurry of punches.

The third round would be the final one. Though the fight was scheduled for five rounds, Lawler wouldn’t need the championship rounds. The final sequence started with a check right hook that dropped Diaz. A looping uppercut from Lawler zipped by a crouched Diaz, who flopped backward on the canvas. Lawler called for Diaz to stand up, but Diaz would not.

As referee Jason Herzog signaled him to stand up, Diaz, with a busted nose, said no and the fight was waved off.

Prior to UFC 266, hadn’t fought since January 2015 when he lost to Anderson Silva at UFC 183 in a fight that would later be overturned to a “no contest” due to a positive drug test by “The Spider.”

With the win, Lawler snaps a four-fight losing skid. He most recently competed in August when he suffered a decision loss to Neil Magny. Lawler is a former UFC welterweight champion who defended his title successfully on two occasions before he was knocked out by Tyron Woodley at UFC 201 in July 2016.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 266 results include:

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Video: Georges St-Pierre, Nick Diaz share a cool moment in locker room at UFC 266

Watch Georges St-Pierre and Nick Diaz share a cool moment back stage at Saturday’s UFC 266.

[autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag]’s return to MMA is full of surprises.

Not only is the former Strikeforce welterweight champion finally back, which not many expected, but fans were hit with a weight class change just days away from his return fight against Robbie Lawler at Saturday’s UFC 266. And to top things off, Diaz had a very cool and respectful moment with Georges St-Pierre, who was arguably one of his most bitter rivals.

The two were caught on video shaking hands in the locker room backstage just hours away from Diaz’s fight with Lawler. Oh, how times have changed…

Diaz and St-Pierre fought at UFC 158 back in 2013 in one of the biggest welterweight title fights in the history of the UFC. The two didn’t have a friendly buildup and there was a good amount of animosity. St-Pierre defeated Diaz via unanimous decision, retaining his 170-pound UFC title.

Before his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame earlier this week, St-Pierre gave Diaz well wishes and related to his pre-fight nerves by saying he hated fighting as well.

It’s cool to see two of the biggest names in the sport’s history get along after so many years.

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UFC 266 results: Nick Maximov shows off slick BJJ skills en route to win as mentor Nate Diaz watches on

Nate Diaz flexed in vintage fashion after his teammate Nick Maximov concluded his successful UFC debut.

[autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag] Army member [autotag]Nick Maximov[/autotag] made his promotional debut in successful fashion Saturday at UFC 266.

As his mentor [autotag]Nate Diaz[/autotag] watched on, Maximov (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) utilized his wrestling and grappling to earn a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) over fellow debutant and Dana White’s Contendeer Series alum [autotag]Cody Brundage[/autotag] (6-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC).

UFC 266 took place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN News/ESPN+.

While unorthodox in his striking, Maximov utilized it well enough to free up takedown attempts. Although he struggled to get clean takedowns off shots, Maximov controlled Brundage in the clinch in numerous exchanges. Once tied up, Maximov dragged Brundage to the mat against the cage.

The sequence repeated often while Maximov largely avoided damage. In the final round, Maximov absorbed tremendously powerful and well-placed down-elbows from Brundage – but hung on to get the takedown he sought. The fight ended with Maximov on top.

With the victory, Maximov, 23, kept his undefeated record alive. In seven professional outings, Maximov has five finishes.

The up-to-the-minute UFC 266 results include:

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UFC 266 ‘Embedded,’ No. 6: ‘I’m usually pretty nice, aye? But, f*ck him.’

Go behind the scenes with the big-name fighters one final time before UFC 266.

The UFC returns to pay-per-view Saturday with UFC 266, which also means the fight week video series “Embedded” is back to document the fighters behind the scenes.

UFC 266 takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews and early prelims on ESPN+.

The main event features a featherweight title bout between “The Ultimate Fighter 29” coaches. Champion [autotag]Alexander Volkanovski[/autotag] (22-1 MMA, 9-0 UFC) takes on challenger [autotag]Brian Ortega[/autotag] (15-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC).

In the co-main event dominant women’s flyweight champion [autotag]Valentina Shevchenko[/autotag] (21-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) will attempt to defend her title for a sixth time when she meets the surging [autotag]Lauren Murphy[/autotag] (15-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC).

In addition, [autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag] (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) returns from a layoff of nearly seven years for a rematch with former welterweight champ [autotag]Robbie Lawler[/autotag] (28-15 MMA, 13-9 UFC).

The fifth episode of “Embedded” follows the featured fighters as they go throughout their fight week. Here is the description from YouTube:

Cynthia Calvillo, Robbie Lawler, and Lauren Murphy train at the UFC PI. Brian Ortega hits the UFC Apex, and Nick Diaz visits an area gym. Fans flock to the press conference, where the stars square off – and things get heated between the headliners.

Also see:

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UFC 266: Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 266 odds and lines between Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a welterweight bout on the main card, Nick Diaz faces Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Below, we analyze the UFC 266: Diaz vs. Lawler odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The card can be viewed on ESPN+ with the early prelims at 6 p.m. ET, the prelims start at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+ and the main card at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View.

“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler has dropped four consecutive fights, including three by unanimous-decision and one submission loss to Ben Askren, who is now fighting YouTubers. Lawler’s last victory came in July 2017 against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 214. Yeah, it’s been a while.

Speaking of “been a while”, Diaz last fought Jan. 31, 2015, when he faced Anderson Silva in a no-contest at UFC 183. The 38-year-old fighter, who beat Lawler via KO/TKO at UFC 47 in 2004, was suspended in 2015 for testing positive for traces of marijuana. He was eligible to return after a year and a half but chose to stay away.

UFC 266 Diaz vs. Lawler: Odds and lines

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Diaz +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Lawler -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -170 | Under +122)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -140 | No +102)

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UFC 266 Diaz vs. Lawler: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Diaz (26-9-0) | Lawler (28-15-0)

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

LAWLER (-165) is the play here, even though that four-bout losing streak sticks out. Still, he is fighting a guy who hasn’t taken the walk to the octagon in six years, and there are reports Diaz wasn’t terribly interested in returning, but here he is.

I am a little concerned about the cardio of Diaz after such a long layoff, and even though it’s been 17 years since they previously met you know Lawler wants to even the score.

Over/Under (O/U)

NO (+102): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is the play, as I just don’t see Diaz being able to go five rounds in his return. Yes, Lawler has seen four of his past five fights go the distance, but those bouts weren’t against an aging fighter coming back after a lengthy hiatus.

In addition, playing UNDER 3.5 ROUNDS (+122) seems like a pretty strong value, too. If you want to get specific on the method of victory, playing LAWLER BY TKO/KO (+205) for a chance to double up is also worth a light bet.

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Twitter Mailbag: Why did Nick Diaz get his way on UFC 266 fight week weight change?

Why were the UFC and Robbie Lawler OK with Nick Diaz’s weight class request? Nolan King answers this and more.

Questions on your mind about recent happenings in the UFC or sport of MMA in general? MMA Junkie’s Twitter Mailbag is here – and this week, @mma_kings answers:

  • What’s up with the last-second [autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag] weight change, and why is the UFC and [autotag]Robbie Lawler[/autotag] OK with it?
  • What’s next for [autotag]Valentina Shevchenko[/autotag] if she wins at UFC 266?
  • Will any of the Dana White’s Contender Series alumni truly contend for a UFC title?

Watch the video above for answers to those questions.

To ask a question of your own, follow @MMAjunkie on Twitter and let us know.

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UFC 266 faceoff video: Nick Diaz, Robbie Lawler tame in final staredown

Nick Diaz has made it through fight week and now time is all that stands between his UFC 266 rematch with Robbie Lawler.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag] has made it through fight week and now time is all that stands between his UFC 266 rematch with [autotag]Robbie Lawler[/autotag].

Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) will make his highly anticipated return to the octagon on Saturday when he runs it back with Lawler (28-15 MMA, 13-9 UFC) after winning the first fight by knockout in 2004.

It’s been a very Diaz-esque fight week, but on Friday morning both he and Lawler officially made weight for their featured middleweight contest, which takes place at T-Mobile Arena and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNNews and ESPN+.

A few hours later, Diaz and Lawler attended ceremonial weigh-ins at Park Theater where they put pre-fight activities to a close with a final faceoff.

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Similar to their press conference staredown on Thursday, Diaz and Lawler were relatively low energy and didn’t look overly invested in getting a good look at each other.

The way is now clear for Diaz to step back in the octagon for the first time since January 2015. Lawler will seek revenge and to snap his four-fight losing skid.

Nick Diaz’s 5 most memorable career victories

Check out the five most memorable victories of Nick Diaz’s career ahead of his much-anticipated return at Saturday’s UFC 266.

[autotag]Nick Diaz[/autotag] is back, finally.

The former Strikeforce champion and UFC title challenger makes his long-awaited return to MMA competition in a highly-anticipated rematch against Robbie Lawler. The two are set to throw down on the pay-per-view main card of Saturday’s UFC 266 event in Las Vegas.

It’s been six years since Diaz was last seen in action, and a lot has happened since in the ever-evolving sport of MMA. At MMA Junkie, we decided to take a trip down memory lane and highlight some of the best victories of Diaz’s storied career.

In these performances, Diaz showcased his refined-but-rough streetfighting style and personality – which gained the respect of all fight fans, from the technique fanatics and the “just bleed” crew.

Below are the top five victories of Diaz’s career: