Vicente Luque Gets New Opponent And “Wishes The Best” For Nick Diaz

MMA veteran Vicente Luque will now be fighting Themba Gorimbo at UFC 310 instead of Nick Diaz. The elder Diaz brother has withdrawn for no given reason. Similarly, Diaz pulled out of their original scheduled fight for the fight night in Saudi Arabia in August. So, rather than rebook again Luque has been given a replacement opponent Gorimbo a rising prospect at welterweight. Luque would give his opinion on the Diaz saga in an interview with MMA Fighting.

Firstly Vicente Luque discussed the now infamous video of Nick Diaz where the veteran is in some bushes shirtless. Luque said, “I saw that video of him in the streets, and he didn’t look OK. And more than anything, I hope his family and he’s taking care of himself. I hope he recovers and goes back to his best state possible.”. Luque is clearly concerned with Diaz’s health.

He elaborated on the reasons for his concern saying, “When I saw the video—first, I didn’t know if it was a recent video or not, but I kept thinking, if it’s recent, I hope he really seeks help to get out of the situation he’s in because Nick is a fighter I follow since before I was in the UFC. He has inspired me a lot in the past. What he’s done, fighting legends like B.J. Penn, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, Carlos Condit, many big names. You see his accomplishments, and see his state at 40 years of age, that’s not how I want to see any fighter.” Essentially sue to Diaz’s status and achievements Luque is sad to see a veteran like Diaz have these issues especially given his age.

Vincente Luque on Upcoming Battle

Luque continued to demonstrate his compassion saying, “This sport is very tough and we dedicate so many years to be able to make a living off this, and to see him in that situation, at his age… We don’t know what he’s going to do from now on, if he’s going to recover, if he’s going to be able to fight again, maybe open a gym and teach, whatever, but we hope for the best. It’s very sad to see him at that stage, because I don’t want that for anyone, much less a man that has inspired so many.”

Respect and Belief

Luque went on a tangent about respect and religion. He said, “MMA is a more modern form of martial arts, but I think it ended up losing several martial arts values like respect to the opponent and respect to those who are older.” Luque said. “That’s how I was raised. I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, so that has also taught me a lot. We have to love each other no matter who that is.”

Luque also expressed how he was happy not be fighting Diaz in his current condition. Luque said, “Of course, when I step into that octagon, it’s war. I know what I have to do and why I’m there, but I’ll never look at another human being and now wish him the best. I want my opponent to be ready so we can put on a great fight, and that’s what I train for. If I see he’s not doing well, especially in a case like Nick Diaz’s, I just wish him the best. If he had made it to the fight, we would have fought and I would do what I’m supposed to do there, but it’s clear that’s why it was cancelled. He not in the condition [to fight], and I hope he recovers.”

Vicente Luque joins us and many other fans in wishing Diaz the best. It is always tragic to see fighters go through struggles be it mental, physical, or financial. And that’s made even harder when it’s a fan favourite and Diaz most certainly is that. Hopefully Diaz gets the help he needs and has the proper support system to provide that help.

Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images