Pic: Nate Diaz Is Ripped In UFC 196 Promo

Much of the discussion around this weekend’s (Sat., March 5, 2016) anticipated welterweight showdown between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz has centered around whether or not Diaz is truly in shape for the short notice bout, which he accepted on only 11 days’ notice when lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos pulled out of the bout with a broken foot.

But it appears those concerns have at least been somewhat quelled, as photos surfaced yesterday of Diaz looking in good shape after apparently already being in training for a triathlon.

Shortly thereafter, more good news seemingly surfaced for Diaz fans, as a photograph appeared on the Diaz Brothers’ Facebook page of Nate looking especially ripped with the simple caption ‘This is America.’ Check it out:

 

By comparison, Diaz’ current shape looks remarkably close to the excellent shape in which he arrived to his exhilarating decision win over Michael ‘The Menace’ Johnson at December’s UFC on FOX 17. For reference, here’s what he looked then:

Of course, these are only looks, and his physical shape will only tell part of the story when it comes to facing off versus the fighter with the most momentum in the UFC right now in McGregor.

But fans and media alike were concerned that Diaz wouldn’t be in shape for the short notice bout after he came in flabby and injured in his loss to dos Anjos. For now, at least, it appears Diaz is ripped and ready to go for this weekend’s pivotal bout.

Will that be enough to propel him to a win over the confident McGregor?