“Nick Diaz is a name that got me to put stuff down,” Robbie Lawler believes the loss against Diaz helped him shape his career


“Nick Diaz is a name that got me to put stuff down,” Robbie Lawler believes the loss against Diaz helped him shape his career

Robbie Lawler on Nick Diaz

The main event of UFC 266 is possibly the craziest and exciting rematch in the history of MMA. Former UFC champion Robbie Lawler will try to avenge his loss against the legend Nick Diaz.

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Diaz is competing after almost 6 years, and Lawler hasn’t competed since he lost to Neil Magny back in August 2020. Lawler was knocked out by Nick in their first fight, and he believes that fight really helped him shape his career.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, he said, “If I’m not excited about it, then whatever. If I’m excited about it, I’ll put in the time, get in there and grind away. I’m gonna be training, but there’s a different level of training for a big fight. And I want time in advance, eight to 10 weeks of putting in the time. Nick Diaz is a name that got me to put stuff down, get in there and focus. You never know.”

“It’s been 17 years,” Lawler said. “I thought a couple of years after that, even five years after that, maybe. But definitely not at this stage. It’s been a while since anyone’s even brought his name up as far as potential fighters.”

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Robbie Lawler states Nick Diaz was the only name that motivated him to step inside the octagon once again

Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler for UFC 266
Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler

“The Ruthless” is one of the most ferocious fighters to ever step inside the octagon, but even Lawler feels competing at this age isn’t necessarily ideal, and Diaz was the perfect opponent to motivate him for a fight.

He said, “It feels a little different to the extent that I’m doing extra. What I mean by extra is that, at this age, it takes a lot for me to take a fight. I’m not just gonna fight anybody, because it’s taking time away from my family and you have to be a little selfish, spend a lot of time on yourself in training. He’s definitely a guy and a name that’s getting me up and into the gym every day.”

Also read – Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler 1 throwback: What happened when Diablo met the Ruthless the first time?