Following Nick Diaz’s (Pictured) triumphant return to the Octagon at UFC 137, a defeated and dejected BJ Penn suggested his fighting days were likely over. After Diaz found himself on the wrong end of another controversial decision, a disgusted Diaz claimed Saturday at UFC 143 he was now prepared to put the sport of mixed martial arts in his rear-view mirror.
Although the 28-year-old’s unexpected announcement caught everybody by surprise, UFC president Dana White wouldn’t be shocked if his most unpredictable athlete decided to walk away. However, he’s not banking on it.
“Let me tell you what, that kid’s made a lot of money,” White said at the post-fight press conference. “If he didn’t want to do it anymore, maybe he could retire. But why? He’s in his prime. Fight for a few more years and he’ll have enough money to really do it and kick back the rest of his life.”
When pressed further on the subject, White suggested once the dust settled, Diaz would see the light and resume his controversial fighting career. Although, he’s not his daddy and isn’t about to persuade Mr. 209 to compete in the violent sport if he didn’t want to.
“You never know with Nick Diaz,” White said. “You never know. I think he’s just upset right now, and I think he’s emotional, but who knows?
“I think once he goes home and realizes and calms downs – look, Nick Diaz is a fighter. I don’t see Nick Diaz retiring, but who knows? This isn’t one of those sports where you want to be half in, half out. If that’s how you feel, maybe you should retire.”
Ah, would you look at that? Nearly 30 years later and Mr. Miyagi’s words of wisdom still reign supreme.
“Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later get squish just like grape,” the fictitious martial arts legend stated. “Here, karate, same thing. Either you karate do ‘yes’ or karate do ‘no.’ You karate do ‘guess so,’ squish just like grape.”
Here’s to guessing Diaz comes to his senses and takes the left or right side of the road. His rickety old Honda ain’t gonna upgrade itself, homie.
Original Story:
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February 06, 2012
