Two years away from the UFC, Nate Diaz is once again making headlines in the MMA scene with rumors swirling around his possible return. The Stockton street fighter, who broke Conor McGregor’s undefeated record in the UFC, has now teased that he is considering returning to the Octagon.
But there’s a catch—Diaz isn’t looking for any fight; he’s asking for a title shot or nothing. Here’s a summary of his recent statements and what fans can anticipate from a potential Nate Diaz comeback.
Nate Diaz’s Historic UFC Career
-He is a household name, especially for his tougher and straight-up fighting style, since he was young. A victory in 2016 over Conor McGregor, a name etched into UFC history. Plus, a legendary fight against Tony Ferguson has established Diaz as one of the UFC lightweight and welterweight competitors.
Despite his success, Diaz’s UFC career ended in 2022 after submitting Tony Ferguson in a thriller. After leaving, Diaz experimented with boxing, exchanging victories and defeats with top-tier competitors such as Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal. Even with these experiments, however, Diaz’s heart appears to remain in MMA, and he’s now teasing that the UFC might witness his return.
Nate Diaz Demands a Title Shot for His UFC Comeback
During a recent interview with Full Violence, Diaz made it clear that if he’s returning to the UFC, it won’t be for a throwaway fight. Diaz, who is famous for his outspoken and raw style, simply said:
“Be back, me, to become a UFC titleholder. Nothing do I desire to fight for, you feel me? Somethings want I need to fight for.”
The 39-year-old brawler, never afraid to court controversy and speak his mind, indicated that he has no desire to return to the Octagon except for a title shot. He pointed out forcefully that the present UFC welterweight division lacks good challengers, and that he finds the current roster of fighters “boring” and “wack.”
Diaz Critiques the Current UFC Roster
Diaz didn’t hold back when speaking about the UFC’s current roster. During the same interview, he shut down most fighters in the organization as boring and not having the hype he wanted.
“Right now, there’s nobody out there that’s at… who’s the champion right now?” Diaz asked, referencing the UFC welterweight title that is currently being held by Leon Edwards. He continued to denounce the fighters, stating, “Everybody is wack… Every single body in boxing and MMA.”
His criticism has drawn a polarized response from supporters. Some maintain that Diaz’s star power is enough to entitle him to a title shot, but others ask whether he has enough relevance or energy to be a title contender again after a long period away from the Octagon.
The Prospect of a Nate Diaz vs Leon Edwards Bout
Despite criticizing the existing lineup, Diaz did name some prospective rivals. Leon Edwards, the current welterweight titleholder, was named by Diaz as a future opponent. Still, Diaz makes it clear that he wishes to compete against an opponent with “buzz” and “pop,” and as of now, he does not think there are many such prospects in the division.
The prospect of a Nate Diaz vs. Leon Edwards fight would undoubtedly intrigue many fans. Diaz has never fought Edwards, and this matchup could serve as a compelling narrative for Diaz’s return. However, with Diaz’s long absence, some question whether he still possesses the skillset to compete at the highest level, especially against a champion like Edwards.
The Legacy of Nate Diaz and the UFC Title
Nate Diaz’s sole reason for considering a comeback is obvious—legacy. Throughout his professional career, Diaz has gained a cult following due to his abrasive fighting style, toughness, and refusal to accept the standard practices of professional fighters. A UFC title is the lone honor that has slipped from his grasp, and it’s evident he wishes to complete this last part of his legacy.
Diaz insisted that his return would never be for money or for fame; it was to prove that he remains one of the world’s best fighters. He wants to fight for a title and make history. Differing with his brother, he said, “It’s about who’s poppin’ and who’s doing something. Right now, there’s nobody doing s— in the UFC.”
Will the UFC Answer Nate Diaz’s Call?
Whether the UFC will give Nate Diaz the title shot he wants is still to be seen. The welterweight division, although presently dominated by Leon Edwards, is filled with other promising fighters like Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Shavkat Rakhmonov who might also test Diaz. Nevertheless, Diaz’s name value and his influence on the sport may prove sufficient enough for him to get a high-profile comeback, considering his power to build hype for any bout he participates in.
One thing is certain: if Nate Diaz returns to the UFC, it will be drama and excitement for the division. Fans are waiting with bated breath to see if Diaz will follow through on his promise and return to the Octagon for one final attempt at UFC gold.
The Future of Nate Diaz in the UFC
As hype mounts regarding a possible Nate Diaz return, the fighter has stated that he won’t be taking any old fight. Diaz is looking for a title shot and wishes to fight fighters who create a buzz and excitement inside the Octagon. His insistence on a shot at UFC gold stems from his need to cement his legacy and show that he’s still got it at the top.
Diaz fans are divided as to whether or not the man can succeed in a return, but what is certain: if he returns, the UFC welterweight division will be forever changed. Whether or not he receives that title shot that he so badly desires, Nate Diaz is still one of the most intriguing and unpredictable men competing in MMA today.
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