Nick Diaz promises to be 'more sportsman' and 'less gangster' against Robbie Lawler at UFC 266

N. Diaz faces R. Lawler in the UFC 266. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In this Saturday, Nick Diaz returns to the Ultimate Octagon after a six-year hiatus. One of the organization's fan favorite fighters, Diaz faces Robbie Lawler No. UFC 266 in a rematch from 17 years ago.

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In the UFC 47 confrontation, in 2004, Nick Diaz knocked out Robbie Lawler in the second round after abusing “trash talk” during the fight, incessantly provoking his opponent until he achieved victory. Many even believe that it was Diaz's provocations that took Lawler's focus and resulted in the knockout.

Today, 17 years older, Nick Diaz plans to act differently in the rematch. During the “Countdown” of UFC 266, the veteran stated that he intends to use a more “sports” approach to serve as an example for his pupils.

“It’s difficult to go back to the gangster attitude. Is not cool. I don't want to do that, because I want to teach. I like teaching children and they are all growing up now. Working with children is very good for me. I'm a more dangerous fighter now than I was when I first faced Lawler. I'm not going to go there and curse him. I will act much more like a sportsman. I didn't win the fight for it last time. I may have surprised him, but I would have won anyway. I will be unstoppable, since I made the right choice. So I’m going to beat Robbie again,” said Diaz.

Nick Diaz e Robbie Lawler face each other on the main card of UFC 266, this Saturday (25), in Las Vegas (USA). The event features two title fights. In the main fight, the featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) Alexander Volkanovsky defends the title against Brian ortega. In the co-main, it's time for Valentina Shevchenko defend the flyweight belt (56,7 kg) against Lauren Murphy.