Nate Diaz: ‘Take Over Another Profession” Before UFC Return

Nate Diaz did not close the door on competing for the UFC again.

Diaz fulfilled his contractual obligations Saturday night with a main event victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. The former title contender locked in a fourth round submission for the win. 

Now, as he has discussed, Diaz will head off to begin his own promotion. He applied for a license to promote fights recently. 

“At the end of the day, I love the UFC,” Diaz said. “Shout out to Dana White for giving me the opportunity and the platform the whole time for everyone and for myself.”

While there were plenty of ups and downs during his lengthy run with the UFC, Diaz was always a fan favorite. He was originally scheduled to meet Khamzat Chimaev, but Ferguson was switched into the role after Chimaev missed weight.

“I feel like I have had the longest career in the UFC and the most successful one out of everyone,” Diaz said. “I out-did everyone on surviving and I want to get out of the UFC for a minute and show UFC fighters how to take over and own up another sport.”

Diaz had a memorable two-fight feud with Conor McGregor and also fought the likes of current UFC champion Leon Edwards and former champion Anthony Pettis.