Stockton’s own Nick Diaz, ladies and gentlemen…
Competing on home soil is somewhat special for fighters. Since MMA became popular, promoters have also benefited in ticket sales and pay-per-view buys too. Something about the home crowd really brings out the best in most fighters.
Although the UFC may not have been able to put the Diaz brothers on show in Stockton, they did have a very unique opportunity. With UFC 209 coming up on March 4, the promotion had a shot at a never before accomplished moment.
They missed out.
Diaz-209
Having enjoyed a cult following for many years, both the Diaz brothers have become stars in recent years. Considering the UFC’s current obsession with money, and the Diaz bros. being from Stockton (209), you’d think getting them both on the card would be a priority.
Even UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently called out the UFC for failing to get Nick and Nate on the card. Apparently the tickets aren’t selling for UFC 209, even though the card itself is pretty stacked.
Here’s Nick Diaz’s reaction to that news:
Thoughts
Would UFC 209 have sold better with Nick and Nate on the card? Looking back at Silva vs. Diaz, the event only sold 650K, but that was before Nick had surged in to the mainstream.
Nate’s recent record has been huge, with a combined 3 million PPV buys in his last two fights. Many argue that it was McGregor’s influence, but Rogan says UFC 209 would have ‘sold over 2 million’ with the Diaz brothers involved.
Opportunity Missed
Unfortunately it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that’s already gone. Regarding their return, there are many interesting fights for the Diaz brothers. That said, their want for a huge paycheck is clearly not going over well with the UFC right now.
I don’t know why the UFC doesn’t want to promote them. They are tough as nails and both put on a show wether you like them or not. UFC is going to find itself out of business or in real trouble in the next 5 years if they don’t straighten up.
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