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UFC superstar Nate Diaz may be entering the Octagon to fight Jorge Masvidal in a rematch, according to a report by TMZ. The outlet spoke with a source who confirmed that the UFC is “close to locking up” the highly anticipated fight between Diaz and “Gamebred.”
According to the report, the fight would take place on December 12 during UFC 256. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani also reported about the fight, however the journalist said that the targeted date is for a pay-per-view event in January. Helwani also confirmed that both parties are interested but the fight has not been signed.
Gamebred and Diaz fought in November 2019 in the main event of UFC 244 for the “Baddest Motherf*****” belt. The fight was an exciting affair and Masvidal won the bout by doctor’s stoppage at the end of the third round.
Since that victory, there have been calls for a rematch and fans may get what they want according to TMZ. The outlet has also reported that the rematch will once again be for the BMF belt.
Another fight is lined up for the UFC 256 card as well, a welterweight title fight between champion Kamaru Usman and No. 1 ranked contender Gilbert Burns. The two fighters were supposed to compete in July, however Burns contracted COVID-19 and was forced out of the bout. Gamebred took Burns’ place and dropped a unanimous decision to Usman on July 11 at UFC 251.
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UFC President Dana White Confirmed the Report of Diaz vs. Masvidal
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported that he spoke with UFC president Dana White about the potential clash between Masvidal and Diaz. The president confirmed to Okamoto that the promotion was targeting the rematch, however no deal has been made.
Okamoto also reported that the UFC is looking at January as a possible month for the fight as well.
Masvidal Has Been Called Out Repeatedly By Leon Edwards & He Reacted to the Diaz Fight News
From a pure rankings standpoint, a match between Masvidal and Diaz doesn’t make much sense. Gamebred is currently ranked No. 4 in the welterweight division and Diaz is at No. 12. Furthermore, Masvidal just fought for the title in July and with a victory over a top-ranked opponent, he could reinsert himself into the title picture conversation. A victory over Diaz will not likely help his claim for a title fight.
The rematch between Diaz and Masvidal is about much more than just rankings, however. The fighters are two of the biggest stars in the sport and they have unfinished business. Although Masvidal looked to be ahead in the fight, the match ended before the fourth round via doctor’s stoppage as Diaz had a massive cut over his eye. Because there wasn’t a decisive finish or decision, running the fight back makes sense to both fighters and many fans.
One fighter who doesn’t agree with the matchup is No. 3 ranked Leon Edwards. “Rocky,” who is on an eight-fight win streak, has been campaigning for a fight with Masvidal next. After news broke of Diaz vs. Masvidal 2, Edwards took to Twitter, writing: “Could have fought number 3, yet chose to fight number 12. Eventually this p**** will fight me, I’m all for money fights but watching two journey men go at it again when it wasn’t even competitive is a joke. And this is the ‘BMF’.”
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