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The UFC has arranged a very difficult farewell fight for Nate Diaz, who is fighting this weekend as part of the main fight of the night at the UFC 279 event. It will be Nate's last appearance inside the UFC cage, and the UFC has paired him with Khamzat Chimaev.
The undefeated Chechen-Swedish fighter is stylistically a "nightmare" for Nate Diaz and is a huge favorite heading into this match. Many wonder why the UFC hasn't paired Diaz with someone like Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, or Dan Hooker, as those are all fighters that would be much more interesting options for Diaz stylistically.
Dana White justified himself and the UFC's "matchmakers" by explaining that Diaz asked for a match against Chimaev and that they only complied with his wishes. In an interview with ESPN, Nate denied the UFC president's allegations.
“I’m the champion of the whole UFC, altogether. And I don’t give a f-ck,” Diaz proclaimed in an extended ramble. “And what they got me doing right now? Is they’re acting like I called for this fight, which I didn’t call for and don’t want and didn’t want and still don’t want.
But I don’t give a f-ck, I’ll fight anybody. But, pressure’s on him, he better finish me, because he’s the next killer in town... “This fight isn’t even about this guy,” he continued, “it’s about ‘making’ this guy.
And I’m like, ‘Okay, you guys aren’t going to let me go? Because I’m the best fighter here? And you’re not gonna let me go unless it’s off of somebody? I gotta make somebody for you? Well, alright, you’re welcome.
Let’s make you.’ You’re welcome, UFC. You’re welcome, Dubai. You’re welcome all you motherf-ckers in your country. You’re welcome”.
Real Fighting [Diaz’s new combat sports promotion]
“I’m on Dana White’s side too,” Diaz revealed.
“It’s all love. I understand business, so it’s all good with me. Me and Dana always got along about everything too. And I’m not f-cking inking Real Fighting [Diaz’s new combat sports promotion] because I’m against anybody.
I’m not going anywhere or doing anything. I have no plan for what my next move is. If something happens in this fight, I might just have to re-sign to get a rematch. If I don’t whip this motherf-cker’s ass right now, then c’mon.
“Regardless of what happens, though—and say I leave, or do whatever—the best fighters are in the UFC and have been for a long time and will be for a long time, I’m sure. Doesn’t mean the realest sh-t is happening in the UFC.
But, no matter what I do, I’m gonna be in the UFC”. It was clear to everyone that this was not a match that Chimaev would be particularly interested in, especially since Nate never hid that he did not like to fight with wrestlers who would knock him down and control him until the end of the match.
Nate has always preferred a real fight, and it is questionable whether Khamzat Chimaev will decide on such a match, as long as he has a clear path to victory.