Nate Diaz Says Eye Injury Hindered His UFC On Fox 5 Performance

Nate Diaz was hit directly in the eye by a Benson Henderson strike Saturday night, and blamed a lack of clear vision for the remainder of his performance. Diaz lost a decision to Henderson in the main event of UFC On Fox: Henderson Vs. Diaz.

"I got punched in the eye early in the fight and it got blurry," said Diaz, during the post-fight press conference. "I waited for it to come back and then I thought I'd come back strong. Ben did great. He landed a shot early, I did what I could; my vision was blurry, I was screwed."

Diaz was taken down eight times by Henderson, and out-struck 183-95. Typically, Diaz is well-ahead on the striking cards once the final bell rings.

"I was a soldier representing my team," Diaz said. "I was trying to wait for the eye to recover, trying to see straight, and that's what happens. Good fight, Ben."

Diaz added that he feels his teammate, Gilbert Melendez, will have no trouble taking the title from Henderson if the UFC pairs them up. Melendez is the current Strikeforce 155-pound champion, but is recovering from a shoulder injury.

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