Nick Diaz interested in Anderson Silva bout since 2006 Rumble on the Rock tournament

Nick Diaz first thought about fighting Anderson Silva in 2006, when the Hawaiian organization Rumble on the Rock put on a 175-pounds tournament - which was won by Jake Shields. As one of the eight men involved, "The Spider" ended up losing in the first round by disqualification after an illegal upkick landed on Yushin Okami.

Nick revealed to Globo that he wanted to be part of that tournament but the invitation never came.

"I've been in this sport a long time. My friend Jake Shields fought in Rumble on The Rock. He, Carlos Condit, Yushin Okami, Anderson Silva and other fighters. In the same period I was fighting in the UFC and in Japan. I think that we all were fighting at the 175-pound limit and I wanted a lot to be part of that tournament. I have always looked Anderson as a potential opponent but I was focused on the Welterweight division and facing Georges St-Pierre."

Diaz added that while he respects Anderson as a fighter, he never considered the former Middleweight champion an inspiration to him.

"I have never inspired myself in him but, of course, to me he's one of the best fighters. I think that this is an exciting bout for him and for the fans."

UFC 183: Silva vs. Diaz will take place in the main event of UFC 183 this Saturday night.