Depending on your point of view, there could be plenty of reasons to dislike Nick Diaz—maybe even hate him.
There was the infamous hospital fight with Joe Riggs after UFC 57. Or the positive marijuana test following a spectacular submission victory over Takanori Gomi in 2007. Or the in-cage brawl with Jason Miller following fellow Skrap Pack member Jake Shields’ victory over Dan Henderson in Nashville. Or perhaps it’s the relentless taunting of his opponents during bouts. A well-placed middle finger during a bout goes a long way toward fueling stereotypes.
Diaz has been called every name under the sun by fans, but the idea that he’s a thug particularly irks him.
“I don’t have a criminal record,” he says when asked about fan misconceptions. “Just because I like to speak my mind doesn't make me a thug. I don’t like to be looked at as the bad guy. When I fight, I’ve got to do what I got to do.”
What he does is put on exciting fights. And if you’re a fan of exciting fights, Diaz is deserving of your eyes—and your respect.
NOTE: The entire story is in the November issue of Ultimate MMA.
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