James Gallagher urges Nick Diaz to stay retired after 'scary' comeback vow

James Gallagher is hopeful Nick Diaz will remain retired after the former UFC fighter signalled his intentions to return to the octagon.

Diaz gave a lengthy and often muddled interview to ESPN last month, sparking concern from fans and fighters about his well-being.

It was the first time in years Diaz had given a sit-down interview and was a rare glimpse into the man who has had such a huge influence on modern MMA.

Gallagher watched the interview and admitted he was alarmed by Diaz’s demeanour and insistence he wanted to fight again.

‘That was scary. I don’t know what it is, punch drunk? It’s not weed, that’s not weed,’ Gallagher told Metro.co.uk.

‘That’s punch drunk. What was he even saying? There was a clip took off that was 58 seconds long of him speaking and he didn’t say anything.

‘He was saying stuff like “I’ll walk if they want me to walk”, what? I don’t even think he knows what he’s saying.

‘It’s scary and that interview was scary. He’s still a legend. I like him a lot. I’m a big fan, but I’m concerned with his health.’

Diaz has not fought since his January 2015 clash with Anderson Silva, which was ruled a no-contest after both fighters failed drug tests.

USADA then banned Diaz for 18 months for testing positive for marijuana in that fight and the former welterweight has since served another suspension for failing to report his whereabouts.

Diaz was thought to be done with fighting before he called out Jorge Masvidal, who beat his brother, Nate, at Madison Square Garden at UFC 244.

Gallagher admitted he was worried about Diaz’s state of mind and urged him to stay away from fighting.

‘I feel he should retire,’ Gallagher said. ‘I want him to be happy and retired. He seems like he’s in a bad place, he’s hurting.

‘Lots of athletes let loose and party for a few months. They’re just having fun after all the pressure.

‘That’s fine, but when you’re doing that and hiding something and you’re hurting, that’s a dangerous situation to be in.

‘I’m sure he has a few quid to sustain that lifestyle, so he doesn’t need to fight.’

‘You’ve got stay ahead of yourself and be real with yourself,’ he added. ‘Things turn quick. You’ve got to build yourself back up. Be real with yourself.

‘You’ve got to learn to roll with the punches and not walk into them, like Nick was doing.’