Nick Diaz, who recently ended his two-year mixed martial arts (MMA) retirement to sign a three-fight deal with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), took part in a live conference call today (Weds., July 30, 2014) to answer questions from the media.
To listen to a full audio replay of the entire sordid session click here.
And with the recent blockbuster announcement that "The Stockton Slugger" will face former Middleweight champion Anderson Silva -- who is coming off a devastating injury -- in the main event of UFC 183 on Jan. 31, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, there was plenty of interesting topics to talk about.
For example, the potential title fight Diaz can earn (details) if he manages to defeat one of the best pound-for-pound fighters to ever compete in the history of the sport.
Here's a quick recap of today's action:
- Never meant to say he was retired from martial arts. He just retired from climbing the ropes and taking fights he wasn't happy with.
- Was waiting to get the biggest fight possible, just like he's been doing since 18.
- Doesn't recommend anyone be a fighter. It's not something I enjoy doing. I have to do it.
- Doesn't break easy, like some of these other guys.
- I'm not doing anyone a favor by taking a fight I'm not happy with. I just needed some time off.
- Tries to keep weight around 195 pounds if not in middle of race season or fight camp. Walks around 200.
- Its rough trying to make 170 pounds. It's really easy to put on weight for 185-pounds.
- Other fighters aren't getting paid what they deserve to be paid and they can't do anything about it becasue they don't open their mouths. Happy with new contract.
- Nick Diaz not too excited to face Silva: "Would you be excited to fight Anderson Silva?"
- Anderson is a kickboxer with a kickboxing style.
- "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get," when you fight Anderson Silva.
- Refused to discuss Nate Diaz's issues with UFC.
- Once you get a title fight, then you’re important. Consider himself important. That's why he was on the call."
- Always had a great relationship with Dana White outside from what the press shows, especially with Lorenzo Fertitta.
- New manager is sports agent Lloyd Pierson.
- He's been an example for a long time now. … A lot of these guys learned how to fight by watching him.
- Doesn't care that he was dumped in the rankings, he knows where he stands.
- I don't want to hurt anybody. I'm not a violent person. I don't enjoy violence. I hate watching people get hurt.
- Doesn't need much. I can survive without fighting. I just want to do the best I can like everyone else.
- IT'S NORMAL: On answering questions from media again and back in the spotlight.
Yes, he did go full Anderson Silva and Forrest Gump. There you have it, Maniacs, anything stand out to you?
Let us know in the comments section below.