For evidence on how the big stage affects even the most talented of fighters, look at featherweight Diego Nunes’ record: 11 consecutive finishes, then eight consecutive decisions.
Sure, Nunes has had far more ups than downs in his career under the Zuffa umbrella. But he’s still missing a finish.
“It could be the quality of the opponents, but I think I need to relax more, worry less,” he told MMAjunkie.com. “It’s hard for me to loosen up.”