Daniel Cormier Expresses Concern for 39-Year-Old Nick Diaz Aiming for UFC Return; Offers Promising Alternative

Nick Diaz, the former Strikeforce and WEC champion, is once again looking for a fight as soon as possible at the age of 39, despite officially retiring from the sport back in 2021 after a comeback fight against Robbie Lawler. Although not holding accolades like some of the other fighters on the roster, Diaz, much like his brother Nate Diaz, is an eternal fan favorite owing to their devil-may-care attitude in the octagon.

While Diaz has expressed interest in fighting the likes of Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira, fans remain unconvinced of his ability to perform in the octagon. Even the former UFC champion Daniel Cormier has reservations about the 39-year-old Stockton star’s return, citing concerns for his safety. But out of courtesy, Cormier has offered a solution that could help the older Diaz brother fulfill his passion and stay out of any major danger.

Daniel Cormier is worried about Nick Diaz

Former UFC fighter and analyst Daniel Cormier recently expressed his thoughts, worries rather, about Nick Diaz’s desire to fight again. In the latest YouTube video of his popular segment, 3 Rounds w/ Daniel Cormier, he put forth his thoughts and said, “Not to be a Debbie Downer, not to be a ‘hater’, like a lot of people try to call me. [But] the last time we saw [Nick] Diaz, [he] wasn’t the same guy that we’re used to seeing.”

He cited Diaz’s last fight with Robbie Lawler which put him into retirement and showed that the age was catching up.

He added, “This is not me like, sh*tting in his wheaties. Like, I like Nick Diaz. I think he’s the man. But I cannot ignore the facts. Because we got to remember who Diaz was. But it can’t stop there. We got to remember who we saw fight last time. Because it was not the same guy.”

Moreover, Cormier finds it tough to think that Diaz is just going to turn the clock back because he inching closer to his 40s, which, according to the 43-year-old ‘DC’, are essentially the expiration date for fighters. Hence, to even expect a ‘killer’ Nick Diaz again, according to Cormier, would be unfair to the fighter himself.

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Having said that, DC still has a suggestion for Nick Diaz, that may fulfill his urge to fight without exploiting him with the dangers of facing fighters like Israel Adesanya and UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira.

Bellator for the rescue

Although Nick Diaz wanting to return after such a long time may sound farfetched, DC feels it’d be perfect if that happens in Bellator. In the same video, Cormier said, “I’d like to see him in Bellator, honestly. I believe that Scott Coker would take care of him, even though I feel that the UFC tried with Robbie Lawler. But even Robbie was a bit too much for him. Because he [Nick Diaz] is not the same guy. And there is no shame in that. There really isn’t.”

DC continued that perhaps the level wouldn’t be as high in Bellator. Despite this, he concluded that maybe, for one more night, Nick Diaz can be that guy, but he wouldn’t bet on that.

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