N. Diaz (photo) fighting for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @NateDiaz
One of the most anticipated fights this Saturday (17), at UFC 241, will be the meeting between Nate diaz e Anthony Pettis, in the co-main clash of the night. The duel will represent Diaz's return to the Octagon three years after his last commitment to the organization. In an interview with ESPN, the athlete stated that he preferred the fight against Pettis because he considered his compatriot a better opponent than Khabib Nurmagomedov (lightweight champion) and Kamaru Usman (owner of the welterweight title).
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“I just feel like I’m better than those guys (Khabib and Usman). Why would I face them? (Anthony) Pettis is a better athlete,” Nate said.
Diaz, who is known for his strong personality and acidic statements, in a moment of rare humility, also praised the welterweight (up to 77kg.), Jorge masvidal, who recently dealt Ben Akren the fastest knockout in Ultimate history (5 seconds). For the North American, watching athletes win like that motivates him to fight more often.
“Masvidal did his job the other day. That was incredible. This kind of thing, with all due respect, motivates you to face this person, because they did a great thing. I think he did something impressive”, praised the American.
There are those who love and hate Nate. However, the athlete's ability to promote his fights has placed him at a level where he can choose an opponent from within the group of UFC athletes, who will at least be heard about his intentions by the board. Even without acting for three years, the fighter had his contract maintained with the organization and, according to the athlete, continued to receive payments normally, which helped him remain inactive for so long.
This weekend, the North American will be responsible for starring in the co-main fight of the event, which sees the rematch between Stipe Miocic e Daniel Cormier for the heavyweight title (up to 120,2kg.). Anthony, Diaz's rival for UFC 241, went through a period of instability within the company, but managed to return to the spotlight after beating the former light heavyweight challenger Stephen Thompson, in March of this year, in a knockout that impressed MMA enthusiasts.
At 34 years old, Diaz has already played professionally on 30 occasions, winning 19 and losing 11. His last duel was marked by his defeat to the Irishman Conor McGregorIn 2016.
Pettis, a former lightweight champion, will fight his 29th fight. The North American has 21 triumphs and seven setbacks.
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