Nick Diaz Pleads Not Guilty To Two DUI Charges
Good news broke today for the UFC. After being arrested recently, “The Stockton Bad Boy” Nick Diaz appeared in court Thursday (September 25, 2014) regarding two DUI charges.
This raised some concern for the company due to the fact that Diaz is scheduled to take part in a fight against returning former middleweight king Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC 183 on January 31, 2015. However, Diaz pleaded not guilty and will be ready to compete come fight night.
UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta spoke to ESPN.com earlier in the week and said he didn’t believe the fight was in jeopardy:
“I don’t necessarily think, and this is me personally, the charges would prevent the fight from happening. Look, clearly it’s a potential violation of our code of conduct. It’s something we have to sit down and take a look at, but I can’t make any decisions or rush to judgment until this thing kind of plays out.”
UFC president Dana White commented on the situation today as well:
“He’s a grown man. He’s got to deal with his situation. The harder part for Nick Diaz is, is Nick Diaz going to show to his court appearances? You don’t show up, then warrants come out for your arrest and you probably go to jail.”
This is great news for fight fans. Both men are returning from layoffs and it is without a doubt one of the biggest fights in recent memory.
It will be interesting to see who prevails on fight night. Will it be the Stockton native with the crisp boxing and decorated ground game or can the so-called greatest of all-time be able to return to his normal form after suffering a brutal injury?
Stay tuned to Lowkickmma.com as the blockbuster event nears closer.
