ROBBIE LAWLER believes that Nick Diaz will not be affected by ring rust in their eagerly awaited rematch, despite his lengthy layoff.
Mixed martial arts legends will rekindle their rivalry in the main event at UFC 266 in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.
Diaz, 38 years old, will step foot in the Octagon after a SIX YEAR hiatus during which he lived a party life.
Lawler, a former welterweight champion, believes Lawler's participation in his brother's training camps over the past years has kept him'sharp.
SunSport was informed by the Kill Cliff Ambassador that he believed it to be one of these things.
"Every fight is unique, you never know what's going to happen out there.
"And I think that he's a man who's been helping out his brother [Nate] off and on. He's at the gym, doing things.
"He will be very sharp with his techniques. He will have to be able implement them in the fight. We will see.
BETTING SPECIAL - GET JOSHUA TO WIN IN ROUNDS 1-6 AT 60/1 OR ANYTIME AT 25/1Lawler and his team were unable to find any footage from the older Diaz brother in this fight.
The Sanford MMA star insists that the tape shortage has not had a negative effect on his preparations.
Future UFC Hall-of-Famer stated: "It didn’t really affect it at any.
"If I can remember the first fight. It was obviously a long time ago. He is a different fighter than I am.
"But it was really just me focusing.
"Tightening up my skills, getting in shape, making sure that my footwork is correct, and just improving my skills to make my game tight."
Lawler, a fan favourite, is 39 years old and enters his first appearance of the year after a losing streak of four fights.
Ruthless doesn't need to worry about the possibility of losing his fifth consecutive game.
Ex-Strikeforce and Elite XC competitor, he said: "I don't worry too much about that.
"I don't worry about it too much. Every fight is a big fight for me.
"Whether you're the first or second fight of a night, it doesn’t matter where [on the card].
"Every fight is an important one and you must give your best in every fight.
"It's not a pressure situation, it's a fight...simple."
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