After defeating current Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight king Conor McGregor at UFC 196 via second-round submission, Lightweight title contender Nate Diaz is not short on confidence.
As a matter of fact, the hard-nosed Stockton native never has been. But a victory over the hottest name in mixed martial arts (MMA) this past March certainly has him riding a high (no pun intended).
In a recent sit down with ESPN, Diaz further displayed his ongoing belief that he’s the best around.
“I think I can beat every fighter from my weight up to heavyweight,” said Diaz. “I really do feel like I’m better than everyone, but I feel like if I don’t go in there and do what I’m supposed to do, you can f— up and lose to anyone. So even a guy I just beat, I need to make sure I prepare and get the job done. Kill or be killed. There’s a lot of pressure in this sport. I need to go in and make s— happen my way.”
While it’s unlikely that the 30-year-old can ward off the best at 185 pounds, let alone the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight elite, he may have finally polished the tools needed to make a run at the Welterweight crown.
“I swear to God, the UFC thinks it was an accident or something,” added Diaz. “They think it was an accident, and now they’re saying, ‘Let’s get Nate back in there and take him out before he gets any bigger.’
After defeating McGregor, Diaz has gotten a lot of attention. Some of it has been geared towards his impressive victory at UFC 196, but most of it has focused around the Irishman’s desire to redeem himself.
“Since that last fight, have you heard any praise for me from Dana or the UFC? None at all,” said Diaz. “How much praise has that m—–f—– got? I’ve never lost a fight and not wanted to fight the guy 10 minutes later. The UFC is pumping him up again, saying he wants to redeem himself and giving him all this credit for it. It’s like, dude, I’ve been obsessed with every fight I’ve ever lost. This is a gift for him to get it right away.”
The two will lock horns yet again at UFC 200 on July 9. For more UFC 200 news and rumors click here.