“[With fighting I] get a little anxious. I write it off from the beginning like, ‘I’m probably gonna get knocked out.’ So just take that and accept it, and then go in there and make it happen. When it doesn’t happen, when you come out with a win, that’s pretty exciting… They’re all full of it. I’m a realist, man. I accept the fact that there’s a probability you’re gonna get taken out and it’s gonna be pretty embarrassing. So I accept that and go out there and don’t let it happen. And hopefully come out on top.”
-UFC 202 headliner Nate Diaz talks to Conan about his mindset into his fights, and why fighters who claim full confidence into the cage are fooling themselves.
Penick’s Analysis: Being aware yet unafraid of what’s going to happen in the cage has allowed Diaz to continue rising up to these spots time and time again. He’s not afraid to take a beating because he knows he can deliver one just as often. That’s what happened in the Conor McGregor fight in March, and it’s entirely possible it goes the other way for him on August 20. He’s going to step in there and do what he does either way, and that’s one of the many reasons he endears himself to so many fans.
[Photo (c) Mark J. Rebilas via USA Today Sports]
Attention iPhone/iPad and Android users, if you’ve enjoyed our app in the past and followed us there, or if you’ve never checked it out, make sure to update to the latest version in the Apple store and/or Google Play store. We’ve launched a new look for the app, in line with our recent desktop overhaul. Make sure to check it out!
For current App users, swipe right to view next article, swipe left to view previous article.
Leave a Reply