Nate Diaz on Nick Diaz: I don’t see him getting back in the cage
Apparently suspended fighter Nick Diaz is sticking to his guns and staying away from the Octagon, according to his brother, UFC Lightweight challenger Nate Diaz. After dropping a razor-thin decision to Carlos Condit for the UFC Interim Welterweight championship in February, Diaz was found to have marijuana metabolites in his post-fight drug screen. A much-publicized legal battle has ensued between Diaz’ legal team and the NSAC, but Nate Diaz reported that his brother would not be interested in an MMA fight even if he were cleared and licensed. Nate Diaz had the following comments on the subject:
“He’s busy right now. He’s got triathlon season. I don’t think he’s really that interested in fighting. So as of right now, I don’t see him getting back in the cage.” – via 5thround.com
So, if there is any truth to his brother’s statement, Nick Diaz is focusing on his athletic love of triathlons at this time. The elder Diaz may have been serious when he retired February 4. He is scheduled to take on Braulio Estima on May 12 in a BJJ superfight, keeping him in combat sports for the moment.
The career of Nick Diaz has been quite mercurial, as he has shown great talent in the Octagon but unpredictable behavior outside of it. After missing three press engagements and being taken out of the title fight against Georges St. Pierre last fall, he was granted a shot at redemption after dismantling BJ Penn. He lost, retired, and then failed the drug test. Is his status with Dana White and the UFC up in the air, just like his entire MMA career? Is Nick Diaz truly retired for good? Or is he just taking time off while his suspension situation is cleared up? Will we ever see Nick Diaz fight in the Octagon again?
Update:
Fighting or not, it looks like Nick Diaz is serious about proving his point to the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Diaz issued a lawsuit against NSAC, for alleged violations of statutory law and his Constitutional rights to due process. Here’s the news (via MMA.tv):
The suit is asking the court to immediately stay the summary suspension handed out to Diaz by the NSAC as well as to enjoin the NSAC from going ahead in any further disciplinary proceedings. Diaz’s complaint also asks the court to declare his due process rights have been violated by the NSAC’s failure to promptly convene a hearing to determine the merits of the disciplinary complaint against him.
The entire complaint from Diaz’s lawyer is available for viewing. The motion for preliminary injunction, including Diaz’s sworn affidavit, is also available.
Further Reading: Nick Diaz files claim against NSAC; denies lying on pre-fight drug questionnaire
