When you think of the most authentic fighters in UFC history, Sean Strickland and Nick Diaz are undoubtedly two of the standout names. But things got awkward between the pair as they met for the first time in the gym.
After a stint in rehab, Diaz is officially one year sober and is taking steps to return to the man he was before the substance abuse. Prior to seeking out professional help, the 42-year-old was pushing for another fight in the UFC, which could once again be on the horizon after his recent visits to Xtreme Couture.
While spending time in the gym, Nick Diaz crossed paths with Sean Strickland, and their interaction went exactly as expected. Diaz was more laid back, as he often is, while Strickland took over the conversation, labelling Diaz a legend of the sport.
“Oh, no sh*t, bro,” Strickland said after learning Diaz lived in the area. “You gonna get [in the gym] more often? It’s crazy.”
“That’d be awesome, man. I gotta get rolling with you, dude. F***ing legend over here, guys. Crazy… That’s a f***ing legend, guys. Crazy.”
During the height of his career, Diaz was an unstoppable force under the Strikeforce banner.
His luck began fading when he made the switch back to the UFC. After winning in his return to the octagon five years after departing the company, he went on to suffer three defeats and one no-contest.
Related: Nick Diaz returns to sparring after hitting sobriety landmark
Despite his lack of success in the UFC, Diaz stayed true to himself and is beloved by many for it. Over a decade on from the pinnacle of his career, UFC’s elite still hold fond memories of him.
“All these guys, the brothers, bro. Every time you talk to them, they’re always ready to, like, they’re always ready to scrap,” Strickland said.
“Dude, I ain’t attacking you, bro… Well, the moral of the story is, when I was a kid, I used to like, I used to watch you, bro. I’d be in my f***ing boxer shorts in the living room, watching you scrap, dog. It was dope, dude.”
Relaxed as always, Nick Diaz gave a short response to Strickland’s confession.
“Now I watch you.”
