Nate Diaz is back! The veteran fighter has returned to the UFC in stunning style after beating Anthony Pettis at UFC 241.
Before tonight, Diaz hadn't fought since his epic two-fight rivalry with Conor McGregor but he's back in the mix after his superb victory.
Diaz: it's Nick Diaz army, motherf*ckers.
- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 18, 2019
Diaz looked really good, especially considering the layoff. He admitted to getting tired but otherwise never seemed in big trouble.
- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 18, 2019
Round one was all Diaz who gained top control after taking the fight to the mat. Pettis, though, brilliantly attacked Diaz's lead leg with vicious leg-kicks.
Round two saw Diaz implement his trademark pressure. He stalked Pettis, pressuring him against the fence where he landed short yet stinging shots.
Pettis faded in round three with Diaz landing several knees while attempting submissions on the ground as he earned a decision victory on his return.
Yep... safe to say @NateDiaz209 is back!#UFC241 pic.twitter.com/VbKlyB9hD3
- UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 18, 2019
Nate Diaz is back ladies and gentlemen! :heart_eyes:
Three years out? You couldn't tell. Incredible performance at #UFC241 to take the unanimous decision win! pic.twitter.com/MNcmOKiYsp
- Watch #UFC241 live on BT Sport 1 HD (@btsportufc) August 18, 2019
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Diaz called out Jorge Masvidal who beat Ben Askren in July.
There's only one name on @NateDiaz209's mind after #UFC241...@GamebredFighter. :eyes:
SIGN. US. UP. :fire: pic.twitter.com/ahR3iAu2YR
- UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 18, 2019
"The reason I was off is cause everybody sucked and there was nobody to fight," Diaz said to Rogan. "With this belt, I want to defend it against Jorge Masvidal, he had a good last fight. All respect to the man but there ain't no gangsters in his game anymore.
"I know my man's a gangster but he ain't no west coast gangster."
Diaz improves his record to 21-11 (15-9 UFC) and returns to the win column while Pettis suffers his eighth UFC defeat.
OFFICIAL RESULT: Diaz def. Pettis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Topics: Masvidal, UFC News, UFC 241, Fight News, UFC, MMA
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