Spinning Back Clique: Nate Diaz situation’s interesting turn, UFC 276 title-fight predictions, more

Spinning Back Clique: Nate Diaz situation’s interesting turn, UFC 276 title-fight predictions, more

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

Our panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura, and Simon Samano discuss five topics with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.

• The saga surrounding Nate Diaz’s future took an interesting turn, with UFC president Dana White replying to the mercurial star’s latest request to be released. In an interview with The Mac Life, White said Diaz “probably should go on and fight Jake Paul,” because “that makes sense.” OK, so what’s the holdup? We dissect what White had to say in full.
• This past weekend at UFC on ESPN 38, Shavkat Rakhmonov soundly defeated Neil Magny by submission and now stands at 16-0 with 16 finishes. What’s happening with Rakhmonov is reminiscent of the buzz surrounding Khamzat Chimaev in 2020. All weekend, we had comparisons from MMA media and fans. From what you’ve seen so far, who will have a better career?
• Looking ahead to this weekend’s UFC 276, we have two title fights topping the card as middleweight champion Israel Adesanya takes on Jared Cannonier, while featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and former champ Max Holloway meet in a highly anticipated trilogy. What is the most likely scenario between these two title bouts: “And new” twice, “And still” twice, or one of each?
• Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is getting inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on Thursday, along with Daniel Cormier and others. Some consider Khabib to be the MMA GOAT after he retired as an undefeated champ at 29-0. Where do you feel comfortable ranking him among the all-time greats of the sport?
• After Bellator 282, we now have our quartet of semifinalists for the Bellator bantamweight grand prix. Winners Danny Sabatello and Magomed Magomedov will face Rafeon Stots and Patchy Mix, respectively, at times and places still to be determined. Who advances to the final, and who wins that matchup?

“Spinning Back Clique” is released each Tuesday on MMA Junkie’s YouTube channel. You can watch the full episode in the video above.