Fighter produced 'greatest round in MMA history' after Dana White handed him life-time UFC ban

A fighter who was banned for life in the UFC produced the 'greatest round in MMA history' in a fight that is still talked about to this day.

One of the best fights in MMA history took place outside of the UFC banner.

In April 2011, Nick Diaz put his Strikeforce welterweight title on the line against British MMA star Paul Daley, who was making his fifth appearance since being let go by Dana White.

The UFC boss handed Daley a life-time ban for an unforgivable act at UFC 113 back in May 2010.

Daley beat Daniel Acacio then MMA legend Jorge Masvidal before being snapped up by Strikeforce, who at the time were regarded as the second best MMA promotion in the world.

He brutally knocked out Scott Smith with a single punch to earn his shot at Diaz.

Diaz vs. Daley only lasted one round, but the action they delivered is etched in MMA history.

The welterweight title fight topped a Strikeforce card back in April 2011 and the bout lived up to its billing, with the pair of fighters putting on an epic slug-fest.

Both men hit the canvas as the Stockton slugger stopped the British knockout artist late in the first round to defend his Strikeforce welterweight title.

Diaz survived an early scare after Daley rocked him in the opening exchange. Daley unloaded and threw a bunch of haymakers before throwing a wild kick.

Diaz got back to his feet, but continued to eat punches.

Though he landed his own shots as he backed Daley against the cage.

The American fired away, alternating head and body shots to devastating effect. He then viciously rocked Daley's head back with a straight right-hand before throwing some nasty elbows.

But the challenger fought back and dropped Diaz with a thunderous left-hook that sent the champion sprawling to the canvas.

Incredibly, Diaz recovered and finished Daley on the ground with a brutal assault.

Referee John McCarthy pulled Diaz away from Daley and halted the contest with just three seconds left on the clock.

Topics: Dana White, UFC

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar