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Nate Diaz’s Longtime Coach Reveals Biggest Hurdle That Could Make UFC Return Unlikely

nate diaz
Credit: Esther Lin

Fresh off of a win in his second professional boxing match, a Nate Diaz return to the Octagon would be met with open arms. But according to the Stockton representative’s longtime coach, that won’t happen unless the UFC is ready to back up a Brinks truck.

Related: Former UFC Champion Rips Nate Diaz, Says Thoughts Of UFC Return To Top Are ‘Absurd, Crazy’

While speaking with Submission Radio, Cesar Gracie shared his thoughts on whether Nate Diaz continues his run in boxing or returns to MMA and what that means financially.

“If it’s going to be MMA, I think it would be in the UFC to be honest with you. And I think the UFC would have to come in with some really high numbers to get him back over there to do a fight. And he deserves it.” While he did not give a specific number, Gracie later stated it would be “millions and millions of dollars, whatever they’re paying their highest people.”

Gracie’s comments come on the heels of Nate Diaz’s appearance on the All The Smoke podcast in which he opened up about fighter pay. “They said six-figure contract, I didn’t know what that meant,” he said about winning The Ultimate Fighter 5 tournament. “That sounds like a ca-billion dollars…I looked at Dana White as he’s talking like ‘I’m rich dog,” he continued.

After stating that he believed that the UFC got a “bad rap” for underpaying the athletes, Nate Diaz said White should still “give them some more money.” “Give me some too if I go back there,” he added.

Nate Diaz: I’ll Box Them Too

nate diaz
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Shortly after defeating Jorge Masvidal via majority decision in last weekend’s main event, Nate Diaz laid out some possibilities in both sports including rematches with pop culture crossover star Jake Paul, current UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, and his BMF better half. 

Related: Why Signing With The PFL Makes Most Sense For Nate Diaz Next

Of course, a trilogy fight with Conor McGregor is still available. When speaking of the man he upset on short notice at UFC 196, Diaz told All The Smoke hosts “he’s cool but f*ck him.”

“I’m offering them the fight, either way is fine. I’d like to fight him in MMA…but if they can only box, I’ll box them too.”

Gracie echoed the desire for a Diaz and McGregor tie breaker. “I think that would be great. I think a trilogy probably makes a lot of sense for both of those guys.”

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Ant Walker is a native of the Washington DC area that now lives in Los Angeles. He has been... More about Anthony Walker

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