“I may not be able to keep fighting for money… but I will always have to fight for my dignity because that’s who I am.” These words from Nick Diaz perfectly encapsulate the fighter’s unwavering spirit. Known for his uncompromising attitude and refusal to conform, the former Strikeforce 170lbs champion spent nearly two decades in combat sports, amassing a fiercely loyal fanbase. His legacy isn’t just defined by wins and losses but by his authenticity—living life on his terms and never bending to the expectations of the industry.

Alongside his younger brother, Nate Diaz, he built a career that few fighters today can replicate in terms of raw passion and devoted following. Unlike modern-day stars such as Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal, who embrace the glamour and theatrics of the sport, the Diaz brothers have always remained true to their gritty, no-nonsense roots. No designer suits, no flashy sunglasses—just fighters being themselves. Their unapologetic, street-level persona resonated with fans, making Nick a cult icon and Nate a star in his own right.

However, the Stockton native’s journey took a different turn, and he has been absent from the Octagon for years. Despite the hiatus, his presence is still deeply missed, especially by those who appreciate the raw, unfiltered era of MMA. Among those who admire him is musician-turned-MMA analyst Robin Black, who recently sat down with Andrew Whitelaw of EssentiallySports for an exclusive interview.

Reflecting on the past, Black reminisced about a time when fighters weren’t carefully media-trained, didn’t adhere to strict diets, and lacked PR teams shaping their public image. According to him, Nick Diaz “represents the absolute last generation” of fighters who truly lived by their own rules.

“He’s the toughest in his neighborhood, and he loves fighting,” Black said. Yet, he also revealed an underlying paradox: “Nick Diaz also hates fighting.” Black further elaborated, explaining that for the former welterweight, fighting was never about fame or business—it was purely a means of survival. “He fights with his fists for money because that’s what he has to do,” Black told EssentiallySports. “He’s just complicated. You can’t possibly have another Nick Diaz—someone who hates the corporation hates business, hates the media, and doesn’t want to do any of it.”

Although Nick Diaz built a reputation as one of the toughest fighters in the game, he has remained absent from competition since his last fight in 2021. However, UFC boss Dana White had planned for his return, booking him against Vicente Luque at UFC 310. Unfortunately, before the fight could materialize, a viral social media clip raised concerns about Diaz’s mental health issue. The footage sparked a widespread discussion about his well-being, prompting one of his former rivals to step forward and offer him support.

Georges St-Pierre comes forward to offer help to Nick Diaz

Nick Diaz has remained absent from combat sports, while his younger brother, Nate Diaz, has embraced a new chapter in his career. Nate has stepped into the boxing ring, taking on high-profile opponents such as Jake Paul and former UFC rival, ex-BMF champion Jorge Masvidal. Meanwhile, Nick has shown no signs of making a return to the Octagon since his last fight at UFC 266.

Amid Nick’s absence, his former arch-nemesis and GOAT contender Georges St-Pierre has expressed a surprising willingness to help him. The two shared a heated rivalry in the past, with St-Pierre once telling Ariel Helwani, “I never made peace with Nick Diaz. I just have some sort of camaraderie with my former opponents because we shared a moment.”

However, years later, during his appearance on the Deeper into the Cage podcast this week, fans saw a shift in GSP’s stance. He revealed his interest in supporting the Stockton native financially, stating, “If I can somehow help him [Diaz] make money in a way that we could do something together to promote something for the fans, then everybody will be a winner.”

Who could forget their iconic rivalry dating back to UFC 158, where St-Pierre defended his welterweight title against Diaz? Despite showcasing his superior skills, GSP couldn’t secure a finish and had to settle for a decision victory. The two were also set to clash again at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational in 2023, but Diaz was forced to withdraw due to injury.

In recent times, Nick Diaz has been spotted back in the gym, working on his grappling and striking, which is a promising sign of his return to form. If the Stockton native decides to step back into the MMA scene, the question remains: who would you like to see him face next? Share your thoughts below!