Nate Diaz says goodbye to fight game, changes tune on Jorge Masvidal rematch
Is Nate Diaz walking away from MMA?
That’s what he seemed to suggest when he posted an image on Instagram Wednesday night, insinuating that he was done with the fight game.”
“(Expletive) a rematch this shit was over before it started. I’m goin on out on tour. Peace out fight game ”
Diaz (20-12 MMA, 15-10 UFC) lost via third-round TKO to Jorge Masvidal at this past weekend’s UFC 244 due to a much-discussed doctor’s stoppage, an ending that sent many MMA fans into a frenzy. A big cut over Diaz’s right eye was enough for the cageside doctor in New York to wave off the fight.
Though he was clearly down on all three judges’ scorecards, Diaz said he felt like he was about to turn the tide and come on strong in the later rounds. To his credit, after being dropped and badly hurt in the opening round, Diaz did slowly start finding his groove, and by the third round, he was landing some solid shots, himself.
After the fight, Masvidal said he was willing to run it back, but UFC president Dana White didn’t seem too interested in a potential immediate rematch, which could certainly explain Diaz’s frustration. Diaz has shown in the past that he has no issue taking an extended hiatus, as he did when he was narrowly edged out in his rematch with Conor McGregor in August 2016 at UFC 202.
He stepped away for almost three full years after that result, finally making his much anticipated return vs. former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at this past August’s UFC 241, and Diaz didn’t skip a beat. That set up his “BMF” title fight with Masvidal, a concept that Diaz practically spoke into existence.
That’s why in his eyes, he is the “BMF” and is only interested in fights he deems as worthy. Of course, this could certainly be a negotiation tactic by Diaz, who has proven his value as a major draw in the sport.
Nate Diaz says goodbye to fight game, changes tune on Jorge Masvidal rematch
