Saturday will mark the return of UFC fan-favorite Nick Diaz after six years on the shelf. The elder Diaz brother will take on former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 in a rematch, 17 years since they first traded leathered fists.
Fans who vividly remember their initial encounter at UFC 47 notably recall Diaz’s incessant trash talk at Lawler mid-fight. Many believe it eventually got to Lawler’s head, which ultimately resulted in his knockout loss in the second round.
But this time, the 38-year-old Diaz is taking the exact opposite approach. As he said during the pre-fight countdown show, he’s letting go of his “gangster” image to become more of a role model to his younger students.