Getty Image / Christian Petersen
This weekend, Nate Diaz headlines a UFC pay-per-view for what may be the last time in his career.
Diaz has won just one fight over the past 6 years, is on the last fight of his contract with the UFC, and is taking on a tough test on Saturday night. That test comes in the form of rising welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev.
As part of his media obligations for fight week, Diaz did an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto today and made a surprising revelation about his upcoming fight. According to Diaz, he never wanted the fight with Chimaev and still doesn’t.
Nate Diaz says he never wanted fight against Khamzat Chimaev
Nate Diaz to @bokamotoESPN: “What they got me doing right now is they're acting like I called for this fight, which I didn't call for, and I don't want, and didn't want, and still don't want, but I don't give a f*ck. I'll fight anybody.” #UFC279
— Simon Samano (@SJSamano) September 6, 2022
Diaz told Okamoto:
I’m the champion of the whole UFC altogether, and I don’t give a f*ck. What they got me doing right now is they’re acting like I called for this fight, which I didn’t call for, and I don’t want, and didn’t want, and still don’t want, but I don’t give a f*ck. I’ll fight anybody.
The booking against Chimaev has never been one that made a ton of sense for Diaz. For some time now, Diaz has mostly just been interested in the fights that will make him the most money and Chimaev doesn’t really fit that description.
He could have easily made more money waiting for Conor McGregor to recover from his injury. A fight with Dustin Poirier likely would have been more lucrative.
Now, Diaz will probably find his next big payday outside of the UFC as he’ll be free to set up a boxing match against Jake Paul once he is no longer under contract.
First, Diaz will. have to step into the cage against a much bigger opponent with a huge wrestling advantage and who he was never really interested in fighting on Saturday night.
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