NICK DIAZ stepped in the Octagon for six years, and he 'got what was going to him' at UFC 266,
Robbie Lawler defeated the veteran fighter in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2004 classic.
Nick Diaz returned to the Octagon after six years.
.
After so many years away from competition, Father Time had done a slow Diaz no favors.
The 38-year-old admits that he wasn't surprised to be stopped at 44 seconds into round three at Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena.
Diaz stated that he was glad he put on a show. Old Rob, I knew it was coming.
"I was stressed out about this project, particularly after being away for so long. I have no excuses. It had been a long time since I was last here and I knew it was coming.
Diaz said that he didn't like the UFC before the fight.
He looked unsure in the first exchanges of the middleweight bout, originally scheduled as a welterweight match.
He showed his chin, which has made him a fan favorite, but the Californian's conditioning let the Californian down in the end.
Lawler is one year older than Diaz, but he was still on top until Diaz stopped him with a right hook in round three.
Diaz refused the invitation of the referee to come back to his feet and used his post-fight interview as an opportunity to ask how the match-up was made.
He stated, "I don’t know how this fight was set up."
"I had to make a change in my entire management setup and how the fight was set up.
It was a bum wrap. But no excuses. It was obvious. He was in excellent shape."
