Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Dana White recently had to admit that Nate Diaz is indeed a needle mover following the success of UFC 241. And after the Stockton slugger made a triumphant return to action after three years on the sidelines, defeating Anthony Pettis in Anaheim, California (see it), his stock went up just a bit more.
But it’s just not his fighting skills that have caught Dana’s and fan’s attention as of late, but rather his care-free persona. From not biting his tongue when speaking his mind, to openly lighting up a joint during open workouts, Nate does indeed march to the beat of his own drum.
And according to former UFC Middleweight and Welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre, the authenticity Nate brings to the table is what people can appreciate.
“He’s an amazing character because he is so authentic. He doesn’t care about what he says, very authentic guy,” said “Rush” during a recent chat with Chael Sonnen.
“Now is the Conor McGregor era, and you see a lot of guys that try to mimic other guys that are more successful, in terms of their platform. They want it to become bigger. And it doesn’t work for a lot of them because they’re not authentic, but Nate Diaz is very authentic. He is a unique person and a unique character. That’s why people love him so much,” he added.
A lack of authenticity, perhaps, is the reason why a brash trash talker like Colby Covington isn’t even on Nate’s radar at the moment, despite being the one in line to fight for the Welterweight strap.
All that aside, St-Pierre is impressed by Diaz’s performance against Anthony Pettis, out-working “Showtime” for three rounds to score a decision. What’s more impressive to “Rush” is the fact that Diaz actually looked better than ever despite his extend hiatus.
“What a comeback. After three years, I was not expecting that. I think he looked better than he ever did. It was amazing.”
Now, Nate is eying a showdown against top 170-pound contender Jorge Masvidal. And while “Gamebred” is confident that negotiations are underway, UFC president Dana White says they are far from gaining traction.
Still, it’s a fight both men, fans and the promotion want, so there really is no reason to not start putting some numbers together to make it happen.
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