Getty Nate Diaz and Joe Rogan
UFC superstar Nate Diaz finally revealed to ESPN why he decided to stay in the welterweight division this year after briefly considering a move back down to the lightweight division.
Diaz said per ESPN, “That’s a dead division. They don’t have nothing I’m hunting in that division, nothing to aim for. I feel like I own it already.”
Nate Diaz says he’s done with the “dead” lightweight division because he feels like he already owns it.
(via @arielhelwani)
But when asked which two megafights interest him the most for his imminent return in 2021, Diaz told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani in an exclusive interview that he actually wants to fight lightweight contenders Dustin Poirier and Charle Oliveira.
The best part? Diaz said he wants both those fights to happen in the welterweight division or at least a catchweight of 165 pounds.
“Anywhere but 155,” Diaz said.
So Diaz is done with the lightweight division but not the fighters therein.
If it’s left entirely up to him, the 35-year-old American will be back in the cage soon against lightweight stars Poirier and Oliveira but not in 155-pound fights.
It’s a strange plan, but it’s something that could still happen.
Diaz vs. Poirier and Oliveira
First, Diaz talked about potentially facing Poirier who stunningly defeated Conor McGregor at UFC 257 last month.
“Yeah, now is the time for sure to fight. We should have fought a long time ago…now the stars are aligned,” Diaz said.
Soon after Diaz’s comments made their way around social media, Poirier explained he would be happy to face Diaz as a welterweight.
“A fight closer to my natural weight sounds like a great idea,” Poirier posted.
A fight closer to my natural weight sounds like a great idea
So that fight is at least possible.
But Diaz (20-12) also talked about facing Oliveira, a dangerous 155-pound contender who is currently riding an eight-fight win streak.
“That’s the guy right there. I’ll fight that guy. That’s who I’ll fight. I like winners. I’m a winner. I haven’t lost to nobody. And the few guys I did lose to, I never got finished,” Diaz.
In his last fight, Oliveira dominated Tony Ferguson over three rounds to raise his profile to new heights.
Apparently, that win even earned the attention of Diaz, who now has the Brazilian menace on his preferred list of potential opponents.
Diaz Explains Preferred Next Fights
Finally, Diaz revealed why he would rather fight the likes of Poirier and Oliveira over people like McGregor or even ex-interim champ Ferguson. For Diaz, it’s all about facing fighters the American considers “winners”.
“I’m trying to fight the guys who are winners,” Diaz said.
Diaz is coming off a controversial loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 in November 2019. That fight was stopped after the third round due to cuts around Diaz’s eye, but the fighter is finally healed and ready to go again.
Diaz plans to return to action in April or May. He also revealed how many total times he would like to fight in 2021 after not fighting at all during 2020.
“Probably two minimum and four max,” Diaz said.
You can watch the entire interview below.
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