Former UFC welterweight Dan Hardy is appalled that the UFC booked Diaz vs Khamzat. He believes it’s the promotion punishing Diaz for speaking up against them, telling The MMA Hour that it feels like Nate Diaz is being set up to “get executed live on TV.”
“It feels like we’re getting to the point where someone should start thinking about pressing charges. It doesn’t feel like a fair fight. It feels like a very, very cruel thing to do to someone that is a legitimate legend. Because they’ve spoken out against the organization, they’re going to get executed live on TV. That’s kind of how it feels, and it makes me feel uncomfortable to think that’s the way it’s going to go down.”
Dan Hardy Blasts the UFC Over Diaz vs Khamzat, Says Diaz Will “get executed live on TV”
This will be the last fight of Nate Diaz’s UFC contract, as the Ultimate Fighter alumnus has been attempting to leave the organization for some time now. Dan Hardy, like most commentators, is predicting a brutally one-sided victory for Khamzat Chimaev, one of the most lethal fighters at welterweight. Even Nate Diaz’s legendary toughness and jiu-jitsu might not be enough.
“I hope, desperately hope, that Nate at least comes through it alright, but after watching what Khamzat did to Rhys McKee and to John Phillips — yes, of course, Nate’s got good jiu-jitsu, but there comes a point where jiu-jitsu is nullified by good wrestling.
It happened in the early days of the UFC, and it would happen against Nate if it hits the floor. I think he gets nullified and I think he gets beaten up horrendously from the top position. I think it’s going to be uncomfortable to watch, and I think it’s going to leave the UFC in a very, very bad light.
I just hope Nate comes through it alright, because I think he’s got good opportunities outside the UFC. It’s just a shame that they’re going to do this assassination attempt on him before he leaves.”
Hardy also praised Khamazt Chimaev’s surging career as a UFC fighter. However, there’s always a chance that Nate Diaz somehow pulls off a win.
“I love Khamzat Chimaev – I just think they’re in different positions right now. He’s on the rise, and Diaz is a legend that is on his way out. It’s just a fight that shouldn’t be happening. But of course, if Nate pulls it off it would be the most Diaz thing to do in the world, and he’ll walk off into the sunset with a smile on his face.”
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