Nick Diaz Calls Out Ariel Helwani for a “Fight” After 12 Years to Their Historic “You Instigate Fights” Moment

Nick Diaz is one of the most outspoken MMA athletes of all time. The former UFC and Strikeforce fighter was relentless in dealing with his opponents inside and outside the cage. Moreover, he didn’t hesitate to speak his truth and his mind in any exchange. Such a thing was evident from all his interviews with journalists. Furthermore, the UFC legend targeted MMA journalist Ariel Helwani in the past and created a memorable moment during the interview. The fighter has also answered a question in a recent interview pertaining to Ariel Helwani.

Nick Diaz wants to fight Ariel Helwani

Diaz recently appeared in an interview with Dr. Beau Hightower. He was asked a bunch of questions by the YouTuber on the topic of MMA. Some of them were questions on journalists.

On being asked who was Nick Diaz’s favorite MMA journalist, Nick Diaz answered TJ De Santis. Furthermore, he was asked who he wanted to fight amongst the journalists. The man from Stockton, California answered, “Ariel Helwani.” Dr. Beau Hightower then referenced a famous Diaz quote from an interview with Helwani. He said, “Because he likes to start fights between the fighters. Where we are from, people like that get slapped.”

Ariel Helwani is known to be a controversial personality in the MMA world. Furthermore, the journalist has opined on several controversial topics too.

Diaz was unwelcoming towards Helwani in a 2011 interview

Before his bout against Paul Daley for the Strikeforce welterweight championship, Ariel Helwani did an interview with Nick Diaz. The Strikeforce welterweight champion was relentless at the start of the interview and made his intentions clear. Helwani started the interview, “Nick, good to see you again. A lot of people are excited for this fight [v. Daley in strikeforce]. How are you feeling in the days leading up to it?”

Diaz replied, “I’m alright. You know I wasn’t going to do this interview. But they told me I had to. So you know I feel good. I’m ready to fight. I don’t know, I don’t have much to say.”

Sensing some hostility from Diaz, Helwani asked, “Is it something against me? Do you not like me Nick?” Furthermore, the man from Stockton answered, “I feel like you instigate fights quite a bit.” ‘The MMA Hour’ host asked if Diaz was talking about the “fights” between the fighters.

A relentless Nick Diaz answered, “Yeah I mean maybe that’s your job but where I come from, you know, people like that get slapped.” Hence, this interview gave the fans some iconic and memorable moments in MMA history.

Read More: ‘Brother’ Provides Positive Update on Nick Diaz’s UFC Return Rumors: “He’s Back in the Gym”

Later, the two had some talk about mutual respect and Diaz claimed ‘asking questions/instigating fights’ is a part of Helwani’s job.

What do you think about the interview? Do you think Ariel Helwani or other MMA journalists try to instigate fights?

WATCH THE STORY: Five Things You Didn’t Know About Nick Diaz