UFC news: Dana White dismisses Nick Diaz vs. Kamaru Usman

“I put on fights with the best fighters in the world, and how old is Nick? You’re asking me silly questions.”

Dana White in a file photo [Image-ufc.com]
By Blesson Daniel | Jun 9, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is so concerned about Nick Diaz’s health that a fight with welterweight champion Kamaru Usman appears to be off the table. Diaz’s recent return, which included a UFC 266 rematch with Robbie Lawler that ended in the third round due to Diaz’s retirement, was hailed by White. Lawler had hit Diaz with several heavy shots leading up to that point, and the former Strikeforce champion’s punches and movement were noticeably slower than his previous performance, a unanimous decision loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 183 six years ago that resulted in his third marijuana-related suspension.

Outside of the ring, Diaz, 38, is still one of the most popular boxers, and he just told TMZ that he plans to fight again this year. He also singled out Usman, the world’s No. 1 welterweight and pound-for-pound fighter, according to the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. The heated rhetoric made headlines throughout the MMA world, but White said he and the organisation aren’t planning any follow-up fights “that I’m aware of.”

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Dana White thinks Nate is in condition

In regards to a possible bout with Usman, White stated that Diaz is in no position to face the champion. White said, “Talking about Nick Diaz vs. Usman, Usman is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. I need to look out for Nick and make sure Nick doesn’t get hurt.” Diaz absorbs 3.84 major blows per minute, according to UFC Stats, and has taken 1,262 strikes in 29 fights documented by the promotion’s official data keeper. Of course, there are no records of how many blows he has taken in practise.

When asked if any opponent would fit Diaz, White expressed concern for the veteran but had no desire in placing him again in the cage. White said, “I put on fights with the best fighters in the world, and how old is Nick? You’re asking me silly questions.”