Where in the world is Nicholas Robert Diaz?
Ahead of his UFC 183 main event against mixed martial arts legend Anderson Silva, Diaz is missing in action.
The worry first started somewhat jovially, when a recent episode of UFC: Embedded showed Diaz seemingly missing his flight to Las Vegas.
While some fans and critics said it was all just a promotional stunt, things took a more serious turn Wednesday afternoon. MMAJunkie.com first reported Diaz would not partake in the open workouts in Las Vegas, then UFC President Dana White dished on the situation during a recent episode of The Jim Rome Show, confirming Diaz‘s absence.
“Nick is being Nick. We don’t know where Nick is. I literally Instagram’ed a picture of him on a milk carton today. He’s M.I.A.,” White said on the show (h/t MMAFighting.com for the transcription).
This is not new for Diaz.
Ahead of his UFC 158 main event against Georges St-Pierre, Diaz no-showed the open workouts, leaving UFC brass less than pleased. While Diaz did eventually show up and carry out his duties in the fight, White expressed his discontent with Diaz‘s actions.
Now, the Stockton Bad Boy is at it again.
Or is he?
This can go two ways as I see it.
One: Diaz is actually missing. He’s playing with fire and acting unprofessionally ahead of arguably the biggest fight of his career. A massive payday looms, and he’s giving it the middle finger.
Two: The UFC is in on the act. It’s using Diaz‘s past transgressions as a selling point for the fight itself, garnering fan interest and selling some wolf tickets to eager buyers at home.
Personally, I favor the second route. Despite White telling Rome “It’s Nick being Nick,” it’s difficult to ignore the difference in their tone in reacting to the situation.
White posted a playful image of Diaz on a milk carton, and the overall panic that ensued at UFC 158 just doesn’t seem to exist.
Either way, this is a story worth keeping an eye on as the situation develops. UFC 183 is, until further notice, in jeopardy.
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