Fans will witness the much-anticipated octagon return of Nick Diaz at UFC 266. The Stockton’s native will take on the former UFC welterweight champion, Robbie Lawler in a rematch.
The first fight between these two pioneers of the sport ended with a vicious KO finish in favor of Nick Diaz. However, it’s a completely different fight as both fighters will meet each other after 17 long years.
So who will get the job done at UFC 266?
Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler Stats:
Nick Diaz:
Wins/Losses- 26/9 (13 KO/TKOs, 8 submissions)
Height/Reach- 6 ft 1 inches/ 71 inches
Striking accuracy- 42%
Grappling accuracy- 33%
Significant wins- BJ Penn, Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, Frank Shamrock
Robbie Lawler:
Wins/Losses- 28/15 (20 KO/TKOs, 1 submissions)
Height/Reach- 5 ft11 inches/ 74 inches
Striking accuracy- 45%
Grappling accuracy- 64%
Significant wins- Johnny Hendricks, Rory McDonald, Carlos Condit
Nick Diaz vs Robbie Lawler Prediction:
Nick Diaz is making his return after over a 6 year-long hiatus. Before Diaz left the sport, he was on a three-fight losing streak. But, he was fighting some of the best fighters at the time such as Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Carlos Condit.
On the other hand, Robbie Lawler has been on a decline since losing the welterweight title to Tyron Woodley.
Lawler has managed to win only one fight since the KO loss to Woodley and that was against Donald Cerrone, who has not looked good in the past few years. So it is safe to say that Robbie Lawler is not in his prime anymore even though he is losing to the top 10 welterweights in the world such as Colby Covington and Neil Magny.
However, Robbie Lawler has been active in the last 5 years. He is still competing in UFC against tough opponents. And even if he is losing he is in a much better fighting shape than Nick Diaz.
Though Nick Diaz looks in great shape we don’t know how will he perform inside the octagon after 6 years. It’s hard to predict what version of Nick Diaz will show up at UFC 266.
Stylistically, Nick Diaz should beat Robbie Lawler. He has great boxing, a chin that can not be questioned, a high-volume fighting style that will put his opponent in big trouble. But, can he still perform like an elite athlete in the octagon.
We are certain that Diaz will look durable and tough. Even if Lawler wins he is not going to secure an easy win against Diaz.
Now it’s a no-brainer that most of the fans will be cheering for Nick Diaz to win the fight and continue fighting in the organization. It will make the division more exciting. UFC can book matchups such as Nick Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal or even Nick Diaz vs Conor McGregor.
But, Robbie Lawler should be the favorite to win the rematch at UFC 266. There is a possibility that Lawler will have another bad night in the octagon and lose the fight because of lack of activity with his striking. But, Lawler should get the job done at UFC 266.