Daniel Cormier Fires Back at ‘Average’ Nate Diaz With Brutal Reality Check on His UFC Career
Nate Diaz has always been known for his unfiltered and unapologetic personality, both inside and outside the Octagon. And his latest appearance on the This Past Weekend podcast was no exception.
In this wide-ranging rant, the Stockton native took aim at fighters-turned-analysts, accusing them of breaking down fights they once competed in. But it didn’t stop there. Diaz’s comments eventually turned personal, with UFC legend and analyst Daniel Cormier bearing the brunt of his harsh words.
Diaz, known for his blunt and confrontational style, was vocal about his disdain for former fighters who have transitioned into the role of a commentator or analyst. He argued that they are unable to offer any valuable insights, as they’ve never been in the position of the fighters they critique.
“You’re a great wrestler and all that [expletive], but you’re an ESPN broadcaster. You’re not a king in the sport, bro. You’re just there talking about it,” Diaz said, taking a direct shot at Cormier.
Cormier, a former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, has become a staple on the broadcast team for UFC events. And despite his accomplishments inside the Octagon, Diaz was quick to dismiss the credibility of his analysis.
But Cormier was not one to take these comments lying down. In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, the 42-year-old shot back at Diaz, offering a brutal reality check on his own UFC career.
“I have fought for world championships in three different weight classes. I have set records and made history in this sport,” Cormier said. “So if me being ‘average’ is doing all of that, then hell, I’ll take being average all day.”
The rivalry between Diaz and Cormier dates back to their days as active fighters. In 2018, Cormier defeated Diaz’s longtime rival Conor McGregor to become the UFC’s simultaneous two-division champion. Diaz then accused Cormier of copying his style and imitating his antics, causing a rift between the two.
But Cormier didn’t just focus on Diaz’s comments about his career. He also criticized the Stockton native for his inactivity, reminding him that he has only fought three times since their initial encounter at UFC 141 in 2011.
“I was out there fighting, winning and making history while Nate Diaz was sitting on the couch, waiting for things to happen,” Cormier stated.
Indeed, Diaz’s sporadic appearances in the UFC have been a constant source of frustration for fans and critics alike. Despite his immense popularity and exciting fighting style, Diaz has only fought once in the past five years, that too against his biggest rival, McGregor.
Cormier’s response to Diaz’s criticism sheds light on the dichotomy between the two fighters. While Cormier’s relentless work ethic and drive have led him to multiple world championships and a place on the UFC’s elite commentary team, Diaz’s sporadic nature and outspoken attitude have left him with a questionable legacy.
As two of the biggest names in the UFC, Diaz and Cormier’s exchange of words has once again stirred up the debate between fighters and analysts. While Diaz may argue that only active fighters can truly understand the intricacies of the sport, Cormier’s response highlights the importance of experience and knowledge gained from years of competing at the highest level.
As Diaz’s latest rant continues to make headlines in the MMA community, one thing is clear – his words have once again ignited a fire and added another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between Diaz and Cormier. And with both fighters known for their never-back-down mentality, it’s safe to say that this is not the last we’ll hear of their war of words.
