How much has Diaz improved since last UFC run?
When Nick Diaz steps into the Octagon to fight at UFC 137 it will be for the first time since…
When Nick Diaz steps into the Octagon to fight at UFC 137 it will be for the first time since November of 2006.
A lot can change in five years.
When Diaz first arrived on the scene in the UFC, he did so with a reputation as a jiu-jitsu specialist. That perception soon changed following a shocking knockout win over Robbie Lawler at UFC 49. Still, Diaz was far from a polished product.
Although Diaz was budding as a striker, even judo specialist Karo Parisyan was able to have some success striking with Diaz by barging in and throwing wild and reckless punches.
Sean Sherk and Joe Riggs also managed to have some success on the feet against Diaz as well. Sherk managed to out-box Diaz outright by getting inside where Diaz’s long limbs became a disadvantage.
Still, it wasn’t any striking deficiency that left a lasting impression with fans. It was Diaz’s lack of defensive wrestling that people remembered. Other fighters like Diego Sanchez would take Diaz down and end up winning on points.
Diaz attributes his losses in the UFC to his willingness to fight off his back, which didn’t appeal to the judges, even though he felt like he was being the more effective fighter.
In fact, Diaz has gone as far as saying that he’s never “really” lost a fight in the UFC.