For so long when you think of the Diaz brothers it's Nick's career celebrated and talked about until the memorable night of March 5th.
Nate had been living in his brothers' shadows seeing him step inside the cage with the likes of Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre among others but at UFC 196 Nate was the hero anti-McGregor fans needed and deserved.
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Following his return to the octagon after taking a year out, he faced surging lightweight Michael Johnson putting on a performance which some declared his best. Yet, it was the post-fight call out garnering the masses interest. The profanity-filled comments amplified a potential bout with the Irish superstar.
McGregor's hopes to making history were dashed by the withdrawal of Rafael dos Anjos, resulting in the 31-year-old being drafted in thus winning the McGregor sweepstakes. The build-up to the fight was what everyone had hoped and expected with the pair verbal jousting as they traded insults.
So, about that night.
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Diaz not just beat but submitted UFC's cash cow inside two rounds in the process turning himself into the promotions most in demand fighter. The somewhat surprising victory catapulted him from hardcore fanatic to household name within nine minutes and 12 seconds of grueling action.
Pressing forward - like the Diaz bros have done time and time again - the Dubliner eventually crumbled. He became the panic wrestler of his own nightmares, engaging in the art of grappling with a Gracie black belt eventually succumbing to Diaz's superior jiu-jitsu. The aura of invincibility surrounding McGregor was shattered.
The word "motherfucker" comes out of his mouth nonchalantly and as often as McGregor's famous chuckle but when it comes to trash, or truth talking for that matter, Diaz isn't as eloquent as his counterpart(s) though his unrefined lip highlights his rebellious style.
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The Stockton native anti-establishment ways from dissing the Reebok uniforms to the signing of CM Punk - His exact words; "Fuck him, fuck the whole situation" - and zero-fucks given approach endears him to fans. Willingly offering his unfiltered opinions, not to mention their ability to raise hell at a drop of a hat has created a cult following.
What's more, he can bloody fight.
The Ultimate Fighter Season Five winners durability, resilience, married with accumulative striking game while utilising his reach by keeping his opponents at bay with laser-like punches, as well as his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the tutelage of Cesar Gracie, is a lethal cacophony of violence.
So, when Dana White labelled him as not being a "needle mover" it was an odd thing to say considering his popularity among the MMA community.
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Diaz is finally getting the publicity and respect he's deserved, while they're often portrayed as the bad guys, Nate - big brother Nick, too - are the real guys and that's why they are so loved.
Not like anyone needs to say it but never change, Nate. Never change.
Words By @NasJabbar
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Conor Mcgregor, Nate Diaz, UFC 202, UFC