Jake Shields, John Danaher and Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz trains with BJJ ace John Danaher amidst reports of him targeting a fight with Israel Adesanya
Nick Diaz, a legend of the Octagon, has stated that he is eyeing a surprise comeback to the Octagon in 2023. At the age of 39, he hopes to defeat Israel Adesanya and become middleweight champion should ‘The Last Stylebender’ recapture his 185-pound strap from Alex Pereira.
Diaz was last seen inside the octagon coming off a six-year-long suspension against Robbie Lawler last year at UFC 266. With the promise of a completely new version, Diaz has worked in a grappling session with BJJ ace John Danaher.
One of the pioneers of contemporary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, John Danaher is now internationally recognised for his contributions to the art. The Danaher Death Squad (DDS) was founded by the fourth-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie, who is widely regarded as the master of the leg lock. Despite being one of the top trainers in BJJ right now, John has never competed professionally due to difficulties with his hips and legs.
It was the embodiment of his students, his great teachings, and philosophy that brought him and the team success, winning prestigious grappling contests such as the ADCC, EBI, and IBJJF Worlds, and leaving an indelible impression on the BJJ community and grappling globe.
Diaz is a third degree BJJ black belt himself and hails from one of the most reputed camps in the grappling circuit. The Cesar Gracie black belt is a submission master himself but uses his suffocating striking combinations to stifle opponents.
In an image shared by teammate and longtime training partner Jake Shields, Diaz can be seen alongside the BJJ paragon.
Whether Diaz makes a sensational comeback and how well he fares against Israel Adesanya are questions that will be answered in the future. One thing is guaranteed, fans will tune in to watch Diaz compete every time he steps foot inside the octagon.
Even though Nate Diaz has decided to no longer compete in the UFC, his older brother Nick has not given up on making a comeback.
In September 2021, after a six-year layoff, the former Strikeforce Welterweight champion returned for a rematch with Robbie Lawler at UFC 266. Diaz was defeated through third-round technical knockout in their Middleweight bout . Diaz, 39, is confident in his ability and plans to fight in 2023 despite the performance being one of his poorer ones.
“You can see me back on top in 2023, I’m making a comeback,” Diaz said while attending Crazy Horse 3 in Las Vegas to watch UFC 282. “I’m going to be quicker than ever, stronger than ever, better than ever — I’m just gonna be a whole new me. Whoever is on top at the time [I want], preferably Israel Adesanya, if he gets his title back.”
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