M. Bisping (photo) believes that the period away could harm N. Diaz. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @mikebisping
The former middleweight champion (up to 83,8kg), Michael Bisping, declared his opinion on the duel between Nate diaz e Anthony Pettis, at UFC 241, in Anaheim (USA). Recently, on his podcast, 'Belive You Me', Michael stated that Diaz's period of inactivity could harm his performance against the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) in the clash that takes place on August 17th. Nate hasn't had a professional fight in almost three years.
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“I think this is a dangerous fight for Nate diaz, especially to return. He hasn't fought since Conor McGregor, right? 2016, that was three years ago. That’s a long time,” Micheal said.
The former fighter also commented on the fact that Nate maintained his physical condition by running, but, according to the commentator, the sport is very different when compared to preparing for an MMA fight.
“Now, he’s a pentathlete or whatever he is. Triathlon and all that kind of stuff. That's all well and good, but that doesn't mean that just because someone runs around a track, they can get in there and fight,” said the former champion. “Now, of course he has the mentality, but still, and I say this with respect, because I respect both Diaz brothers and what they have achieved in this sport, time away from the octagon can change things. Three years is a long time and Pettis was still there the whole time, concluded Bisping.
Nate diaz hasn't prepared for an official fight since facing Conor McGregor in the main fight of UFC 202, on August 18, 2016. Since then, the athlete has remained out of the spotlight in the world of martial arts.
Diaz's relationship with the UFC has always been very delicate. The athlete, despite enjoying a lot of charisma with MMA fans, has performed only six times in the last six years. In his last fights, the fighter won three times and was defeated in the rest, including the last one, almost three years ago.
At 34 years old, the athlete had 30 fights, winning 19 and suffering 11 setbacks.
His August opponent, Pettis, who was once one of the biggest names in Ultimate, has gone through ups and downs in recent years. In his last 10 fights, Anthony has suffered six defeats and just four wins. Despite his recent negative record, the North American is coming off a great victory over his compatriot Stephen Thompson, in March of this year.
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