Longtime MMA star Nate Diaz is no longer part of UFC.
Diaz is no longer on the UFC’s roster of fighters, MMA Junkie and ESPN reported Tuesday.
The 37-year-old’s contract was up in September when he defeated Tony Ferguson via submission at UFC 279.
UFC still had an exclusive negotiating window with Diaz after that, but reports said the UFC waived its rights to the window, letting Diaz become a free agent.
The parting of ways doesn’t mean Diaz won’t pursue a trilogy bout against Irish star Conor McGregor.
“Nate is going to be looking at the biggest fights possible,” Diaz manager Zach Rosenfield told MMA Junkie. “He has stated that completing the trilogy with Conor McGregor is something that interests him, and that has not changed.”
Diaz defeated McGregor via submission in 2016, but McGregor took the rematch five months later via decision.
Diaz had requested his release from UFC several times before the Ferguson fight.
Rosenfield said Diaz will compete “multiple times in 2023, and that will include boxing.” Diaz has been linked to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul; Diaz got into an altercation with members of Paul’s team last month when Paul boxed Anderson Silva.
Diaz is 22-13 all-time with five knockouts.
–Field Level Media
Scott Dunlap recorded his second career PGA Tour Champions victory after weather affecting the greater Houston area both overnight and Sunday morning forced the cancellation of the third round at…
J.J. Watt left the door open for a potential NFL comeback, although he admitted that the door is closing quickly. Watt, who announced his retirement after the 2022 season, said…
Home games in May already have been more rewarding for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are in line for a three-game sweep over the Atlanta Braves when the National League…
J.J. Watt leaves door open (slightly) for potential return to Texans
Max Muncy aims to aid Dodgers in bid for sweep of Braves
Orioles’ Dean Kremer takes his turn to impress vs. Reds
Phillies look to continue run barrage vs. Giants