Robbie Lawler insists ring rust won’t be a factor for ‘sharp’ Nick Diaz in UFC 266 rematch; anticipating different fight

ROBBIE LAWLER believes ring rust won't be a factor for Nick Diaz in their eagerly-anticipated rematch - despite the Stockton slugger's lengthy layoff.

The mixed martial arts legends will renew their rivalry early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 266 in Las Vegas.

Diaz, 38, will be setting foot inside the octagon on the back of a SIX-YEAR hiatus, in which he's enjoyed a party lifestyle.

But former welterweight king Lawler believes his old foe's involvement in his brother Nate's training camps in recent years will have kept him 'sharp'.

The Kill Cliff ambassador told SunSport: "I think it's just one of those things.

"Every fight is different, you never know what's gonna happen out there.

"And I think he's a guy that's been helping his brother out off and on. He's in the gym, he's doing stuff.

"He'll definitely be sharp with his techniques. It's just will he be able to implement those in the fight. We'll see."

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Lawler and his team have been unable to draw on any recent footage of the elder Diaz brother for this fight.

But the Sanford MMA standout insists the lack of tape hasn't had a detrimental effect on his preparations.

The future UFC Hall-of-Famer said: "It didn't really affect it at all.

"If I remember in our first fight. Obviously, it was a long time ago. He's a different fighter, I'm a different fighter.

"But really, it was just focusing on myself.

He'll definitely be sharp with his techniques.

Robbie Lawler on Nick Diaz

"Tightening my skills up, getting my body in shape, making sure my footwork is where it needs to be and just working on my skills so that my game is tight."

Fan favourite Lawler, 39, enters his first outing of the year riding a four-fight losing streak.

But the prospect of being given his marching orders with a fifth consecutive loss doesn't worry Ruthless.

The former Strikeforce and Elite XC competitor said: "I'm not too worried about that.

"I'm never too worried about that. I picture every fight to be a big fight, it's just how it is.

"If you're the first fight of the night or [the] second fight of the night, it doesn't matter where you are [on the card].

"Every fight is important and every fight you have to give your best and try to figure it out.

"There's no pressure because it's a fight…simple."

Robbie Lawler spoke to SunSport as part of his ambassador role for Kill Cliff and Get Biofuel, an initiative from the supporters of renewable, plant-based biofuels, the Clean Energy Team is leading a movement of positive change.

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