A three-year layoff culminated with a return of marquee fighter Nate Diaz at UFC 241 in Anaheim Sunday night.
Pettis slaps the guillotine on, but Diaz escapes! #UFC241 pic.twitter.com/5KxhKggYPe
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2019
Traditionally a lightweight, Diaz hasn't fought there since 2015, and hadn't fought anyone besides Conor McGregor since then, either. That all changed when he was tasked with a welterweight fight with a former 155 pound champion in Anthony "Showtime" Pettis.
Diaz is teeing off on Pettis as round 2 comes to a close!#UFC241 pic.twitter.com/oB6cmHTcl7
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2019
Pettis found early success in round one with leg kicks, but Diaz recognized it and dragged Pettis to the ground. Along the way, Diaz's strikes and submission attempts stole the round for him. Pettis seemed to be restricted with an injured ankle quickly, and the leg kicks were eliminated from his barrage. That's all Diaz needed to pour on the pressure.
DIAZ IS GOING OFF!#UFC241 pic.twitter.com/BxawfsNBnp
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2019
A series of huge knees almost ended the fight for Diaz, but instead led to an exchange of scrambles.The fight went to the scorecard, with Diaz emerging victorious.
After the fight, Diaz stated that he left the UFC for three years because everyone sucked, but he wanted to fight another "gangster" in Jorge Masvidal. An excited Masvidal could be seen cheering on from the crowd, full of celebrities and fighters.
"I want to defend my title against Jorge. He's a gangster, but he ain't no West Coast gangster."@NateDiaz209, welcome back! #UFC241 pic.twitter.com/Y5DdHcnwzO
— UFC (@ufc) August 18, 2019
You can see our live coverage of UFC 241 at this link, and our post-show podcast at this link. We will also cover the happenings on the Fightful MMA Podcast, Tuesday at 2 PM EST.
