Though he doesn’t have the “traditional” boxing style most are accustomed to, UFC lightweight Nate Diaz knows what to do with his hands once the cage door slams shut.
You know who to thank for that.
In fact, the Stockton slugger can more than hold his own against world class boxers, including Andre Ward, the current super middleweight champion who is undefeated at 28-0. As Ward told Fight Hype, when he and Nate — as well as older brother Nick — spar, it isn’t as one-sided as you would think.
Plus, he says he never had any doubt Diaz could take out Conor McGregor, though the short notice had him a bit on edge.
“I wasn’t shocked…only thing I was concerned about was 10 or 11-day notice…I’ve sparred with Nick and Nate…they both have hands; they both can fight…I’m a world-class fighter and they do more than hold their own…Nate and Nick don’t fear anything and I respect that, man.”
Diaz defeated “Notorious” via second-round submission at UFC 196 in what proved to be one of the biggest upsets in recent memory (see it again here).
Of course, the finishing move was all set up thanks to Nate’s accurate and constant striking, which turned the tide in his favor in the second frame after the Irishman had his way with Diaz early on.
At the end of the day, it’s not all about having that one-punch knockout power.