Sean Strickland is one of the most outspoken and real fighters on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) roster today, but before him there was Nick Diaz.
In case you forgot or are new to mixed martial arts (MMA), Diaz is one of the most respected and memorable fighters to ever step foot inside of the cage. Despite never winning a UFC title, Diaz is widely regarded as a pioneer for the sport and helped it hit mainstream audiences.
Unfortunately, Diaz has fallen on some rough times. He tried making
a UFC comeback in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus only to get walloped by rival Robbie Lawler. Diaz plotted another Octagon return in 2023, but that never came to fruition. The 42-year-old veteran has been fighting a bigger battle since then as he tries to stay sober and out of trouble.
Earlier this week, Diaz joined long-time friend, Jake Shields, for a visit to Xtreme Couture’s gym in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is where Strickland trains. Diaz watched on as Strickland went through drills in preparation for his upcoming main event showdown with Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston next month.
Strickland, who grew up watching Diaz fight, was basically starstruck. The former UFC middleweight champion proceeded to grace Diaz with compliments before Diaz returned the favor.
Check it out below:
“I gotta get rolling with you dude,” said Strickland. “F—king legend over here guys. Crazy. That’s a f—king legend man. Crazy.”
“When I was a kid I used to watch you,” added Strickland. “I’d be in my f—king boxer shorts in the living room watching you scrap dog. It was dope.”
“Now I watch you,” replied Diaz.
