The MMA community is rallying around Nick Diaz after he was withdrawn from his scheduled fight against Vicente Luque at UFC 310, which is set for December 7. Diaz’s removal follows concerning footage that surfaced showing him on the roadside attempting to set bushes on fire. While many initially dismissed the clip as fabricated, it was later confirmed by Diaz’s girlfriend, who took to Instagram to share insights into his ongoing struggles with addiction.
Vicente Luque’s Response to Diaz’s Withdrawal
Luque, originally slated to face the Stockton native, has now been rebooked to fight Themba Gorimbo instead. In a recent interview with Inside Fighting, Luque expressed his heartfelt concern for Diaz:
“It started with that video that showed up of [Nick Diaz] on the street… It is a crazy video when you see it. At the time, I was really concerned, more than anything for Nick. You never want to see somebody in that condition. Especially after having the career he had, being the legend he is. I don’t want to see a guy end up like that. What I hope and pray for is that he can recover, he can get back on track.”
The Brazilian fighter emphasized his respect for Diaz’s legacy and his hope that the UFC veteran can find the support he needs during this difficult time.
Impact on UFC 310
With Diaz’s removal, the UFC has made significant adjustments to the card. Luque will now face Themba Gorimbo, a rising talent looking to make a mark in the welterweight division.
Luque’s Take on Rakhmonov vs. Garry
Luque also weighed in on the short-notice title eliminator between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, two welterweight prospects with whom he has trained. Originally, Rakhmonov was set to fight Belal Muhammad, but a severe toe infection forced Muhammad out of the bout.
Speaking about the matchup, Luque shared:
“This is a very big fight. Ian has been looking great in his fights. He’s a big prospect, undefeated. Shavkat is a beast, and we bring that extra spice. They’ve trained together, everybody knows they’ve trained together. I’ve seen them, I’ve watched them train together. I’m not gonna talk about that… I know that both guys are tough.”
Luque’s insider knowledge, having observed both athletes in training, adds intrigue to this pivotal matchup.
Final Thoughts
Nick Diaz’s situation has drawn significant attention, with fans and fighters hoping for his recovery and return to stability. Meanwhile, UFC 310 has adapted to unforeseen changes, and the restructured card promises compelling matchups. The MMA community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on both the event and Diaz’s journey toward healing.
