Nick Diaz caused a bit of a stir after he "elected" to skip his original flight to Las Vegas, Nevada, which ultimately resulted in him missing the UFC 183 open workouts ahead of his much-anticipated fight against Anderson Silva.
The bout, which is set to take place this weekend (Sat., Jan. 31, 2015), is still a go, as the Stockton slugger caught another flight the following day and made it so "Sin City" safe and sound.
So why did the former Strikeforce welterweight champ bail on his initial flight?
According to his statement during a recent media scrum (via MMA Fighting), he made a U-turn back home for some personal items. Still, Diaz apologized to the fans who awaited his presence at the open workouts, as well as to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) higher-ups.
"I had to go back home for some things, so I didn't make it here as soon as I would have liked to. So I apologize to all the fans, especially the ones that were here to see the open workout. I didn't really put too much thought into it. I was just more focused on the fight. I've pulled the same card a couple of times. It's pretty inconsiderate of me. Again, I apologize to all the fans who were anticipating a show on Wednesday."
Plus, sleeping in his own bed for an extra night as opposed to a staying up late with other UFC-related obligations that would "jam him up," sounded like a much better idea.
Despite his apology, Diaz is sticking to his guns and says that regardless of who is pushing him to do what, he will not rush anything for anybody and will do things at his own pace. Because as long as he shows up to the weigh-ins and on fight night, all the obligations prior will fall by the wayside.
"I'm not trying to rush anything for anybody. I got a deadline, I know what that is. That's come make what weight on Friday, come fight on Saturday. Do the best I can to put on a show for the fans, fight for the fans, come in at 100-percent for the fans. If I'm gonna do that to the best of my ability, I'm gonna do the best I can to do that. At this point in time, regardless of whatever obligations I have, for me I'm gonna have to do what I gotta do. I'm gonna say it again: I apologize to Dana White, to all the UFC, everything is prepared."
According to Nick's manager Lloyd Pierson, Diaz will likely incur a fine, but no amount has been levied to date.
At the end of the day, UFC officials -- and fans alike -- can now breath a collective sigh of relief because Diaz is in town and is laser-focused on the monumental task that awaits him this weekend in "Sin City."
Apology accepted?