MMA Preview – Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler 2 at UFC 266
NICK DIAZ VS ROBBIE LAWLER FACTS
When is UFC 266? Sunday 26th September, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 266? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 266? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 266
What channel is UFC 266 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 266? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
NICK DIAZ VS ROBBIE LAWLER LOWDOWN
We thought we would never see the day, Nick Diaz (26-9(2)) returns. He was last active in 2011 when he capped off an incredible 11-fight win streak (mostly for Strikeforce) by dominating the smaller BJ Penn in a decision. He has not won a fight since fighting one a year later losing a unanimous decision to Carlos Condit and did not return for another year when he fought Georges St Pierre for the welterweight title getting outpointed again. Two years later, he came out of retirement for the glamour tie with Anderson Silva but lost another unanimous decision although it was later overturned to a ‘no contest’ after they both failed drug tests. Diaz got popped for marijuana and received an incredibly harsh five-year ban which was later reduced but USADA has kept him out of action until they recently relaxed marijuana usage rules.
Cut from the same cloth, Robbie Lawler (28-15(1)) heads back out into battle. His activity has inevitably declined as he approaches the end of his career but he has continued to put on unforgettable performances since their first fight all the way back in 2004. He has fought the best welterweights in the world for Strikeforce and the UFC and no one can forget his run to the title claiming the belt in 2014 earning a split decision in his rematch with Johnny Hendricks. He made two epic defences eventually finishing Rory MacDonald in one of the best fights of all time and following it up with another war and split decision over Condit. However, he has fought six times since over five years only beating Donald Cerrone in a dubious decision. It is fair to say he is way past his prime, but those five losses were to monsters.
NICK DIAZ VS ROBBIE LAWLER PREDICTION
Usually, it is unsettling to see a rematch in combat sport 17 years on but not this fight. Lawler will always be a warrior and the older MMA fans have been salivating ever since the rumours of Diaz’s return.
Their first fight was an instant classic. Diaz came in as the underdog in just his second UFC fight and was expected to avoid the stand-up battle and rely on his jiu-jitsu. However, Diaz decided to toe-to-toe with Lawler and out boxed, out timed him and walked away with a brilliant knockout.
2021 is a different time but they will still arrive with the same intentions. We can expect Lawler to be ready for a fire fight with his power left hand corked and ready to unleash. He will be more patient but more because his speed and reaction time has slowed down.
As far as Diaz goes, it has been so long since he last fought let alone won but we are safe in the knowledge that he will talk a lot of smack and goad Lawler into another brawl. He will still have all the confidence in his jiu-jitsu, boxing and cardio. Who knows how effective he will be with his striking but he is a keen triathlon athlete and will be in great shape as always.
Do not expect the spectacle we had in 2004 but it is bound to be entertaining show. Lawler is more war beaten now but Diaz is as rusty as an old gate, so we are leaning towards a Lawler decision. Considering the tight odds and unknowns, this is more of a fight to simply sit back and enjoy.
Prediction: Lawler via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
