Former welterweight title challenger, Nick Diaz is set to return to the Octagon at UFC Abu Dhabi next month. According to Jake Shields, Diaz did not engage in any training for five years leading up to his fight with Robbie Lawler back in 2021.
Diaz, who previously challenged for the welterweight title in the UFC, will be facing welterweight contender Vicente Luque in a five-round bout in Abu Dhabi.
After a three-year absence, Diaz returned to the octagon at UFC 266 for a rematch with Lawler, where he suffered a third-round TKO loss. Despite being in better physical shape for his upcoming fight with Luque, Diaz had not trained for five years leading up to his matchup with Lawler.
Nick Diaz had no training for 5 years ahead of Robbie Lawler rematch
Shields revealed that Diaz did not train at all for his fight with Lawler and expressed his unhappiness with the situation. Shields believed Diaz was pressured into the fight for financial reasons.
In the JAXXON podcast, Shields expressed his shock at Diaz’s performance against Lawler despite the lack of training. Shields praised Diaz’s heart and determination and mentioned that Diaz is now actively training for his upcoming fight with Luque.
Excitement is building for Nick Diaz’s return to the octagon next month. Will you be tuning in to watch?
