Dana White’s reaction to the thrilling showdown between Nick Diaz and Paul Daley in 2011 perfectly encapsulates the fight’s legendary status.
After being released from the UFC due to White’s decisive action following a controversial incident with Josh Koscheck as UFC 113, Daley joined Strikeforce and earned a title shot with his explosive win over Scott Smith.
In a highly anticipated match against Diaz, Daley gave it his all, dropping the champion but ultimately falling short. Diaz emerged victorious with just three seconds left on the clock, leaving White visibly astonished as he watched cage-side alongside Lorenzo Fertitta.
White’s disbelief was evident when Daley initially floored Diaz, and his reaction intensified as Diaz unleashed a barrage of punishing blows on Daley’s body.
“Holy sh*t,” White exclaimed as Diaz secured the win, his reaction captured by the cameras for all to see.
While fans and critics fondly remember the epic encounter, Daley himself holds mixed feelings about it.
“I don’t like it,” he admitted. “I lost the fight, and I know I could fight better than that. The game plan went out the window.”
Despite the disappointment, Daley continued to showcase his talent in subsequent fights, facing formidable opponents like Tyron Woodley, Rory MacDonald, and Michael ‘Venom’ Page before retiring from the sport.
