• UFC

Diaz angry at always having to be the bad guy

ESPN staff
October 31, 2011
Nick Diaz impressed in his victory over BJ Penn © Getty Images
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Controversial welterweight Nick Diaz has hit out at the UFC, complaining that he always has to be "the bad guy" in order to get the fights he feels he deserves.

Diaz cemented his position as the No. 1 contender for Georges St-Pierre's title with a impressive victory over BJ Penn at UFC 137 on Saturday, with the American now set to face the Canadian champion in February next year.

St-Pierre went to UFC president Dana White and personally requested the showdown - which was initially due to take place in Las Vegas last weekend, before Diaz went AWOL and St-Pierre picked up an injury - after Diaz called him out in the aftermath of the victory, but Diaz is still aggrieved that he has to go to such lengths in order to get what he believes is the respect he deserves.

"I have to be the bad guy. You point your finger at me and make me the bad guy. Now I'm the bad guy, and now I managed to get the fight," declared Diaz.

St-Pierre, however, maintained his cool - having previously been angered at suggestions his current injury problems would not have stopped other fighters from stepping into the Octagon.

"This is what I wanted since the beginning," he noted. "We're going to do what we should have done originally. I always wanted this fight and now I want it even more. I can't wait till Superbowl weekend."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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