N. Diaz must say goodbye to Ultimate in UFC 279. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
MMA commentator and former fighter, Dan Hardy does not hide his concern with the outcome of the confrontation between Nate diaz and the dangerous Khamzat Shimaev, confirmed for September 10th, at UFC 279. In an interview with 'The MMA Hour', the analyst disapproved of Ultimate's decision to select the veteran for a clash against its main promise. The fight marks the North American's farewell to the organization.
“I feel like we’re coming to a time where someone should be reporting (to the police). It doesn't seem like a fair fight to me. It's a cruel thing to do to someone who is a true legend (Nate). Because he criticized the organization, they will promote a live execution. That’s what it seems like to me and it makes me uncomfortable,” said Hardy, not hiding his concern.
An admirer of Diaz's work, Dan claims that the weapons presented by 'bad boy' should not be enough to nullify the complexity brought by Chimaev. The commentator then predicts a fight marked by a lack of balance.
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“I desperately hope Nate comes out of this in one piece, but after seeing what Khamzat did to rhys mckee and John Phillips… Nate has good jiu-jitsu, but there comes a point where it can be neutralized by a good wrestling game (from Chimaev). (…) I think Nate will be neutralized and horribly slaughtered on the ground. It will be uncomfortable to watch and I think he (Diaz) will leave the UFC in an embarrassing way”, he concluded.
One of the greatest popularity phenomena in the history of Ultimate, Diaz has been at the center of controversies against the organization in recent months. The athlete does not hide his desire to leave the company and insisted on confirming the last fight of his contract.
After a long period of insistence, Ultimate confirmed Chimaev as the opponent for the North American's 'farewell'. Against the Swede, the 'bad boy' will seek a positive result, something that hasn't happened since 2019.
UFC's bet for the future, Khamzat is undefeated in professional MMA, with 11 wins. In his last challenge, the athlete went through a real battle against Gilbert Durinho, taking third place in the welterweight rankings (up to 77kg.).
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