by Dane McGuire
At least for the time being, Nate Diaz is officially no longer a part of the UFC. The veteran fighter was removed from the roster November 29, multiple outlets reported.
A return to the promotion is still in the cards according to a representative for Diaz–for major bouts such as a trilogy fight with Conor McGregor.
Diaz’s representative Zach Rosenfield told MMA Junkie, “Nate is going to be looking at the biggest fights possible. He has stated that completing the trilogy with Conor McGregor is something that interests him, and that has not changed.”
…“You will see Nate competing multiple times in 2023, and that will include boxing,” Rosenfield said.
At the moment, it will be some time before the trilogy bout can take place as McGregor is involved in a pair of lawsuits with former teammate Artem Lobov related to getting a share of McGregor’s Proper 12 whiskey brand and now defamation as well.
MMA Fighting reports:
“McGregor and his partners sold a majority stake in Proper 12 to Proximo Spirits — the same company that owns Jose Cuervo tequila — for $600 million in 2021. Lobov is seeking 5% of the proceeds after he claimed there was an agreement in place that wasn’t honored once the sale was finalized.”
McGregor has since revealed the defamation lawsuit on social media as well.
“Artem is trying to sue me and my father for defamation now as well,” McGregor wrote on Twitter. “Oh lord, god bless. Artem you look like an uncooked sausage of a thing. Jump on the pan for minute pal you look rough mate. God bless ya pal.”
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Shifting gears, despite an up and down relationship with the UFC over the years, upon Diaz’s exit after hist final bout, UFC President Dana White had nothing but praise for Diaz, who competed in the octagon 27 times.
“Whatever he moves on to do, I wish him nothing but the best,” White said. “He’s starting his own organization or getting into promoting or doing something else, I wish him nothing but the best of luck. It’s been awesome having him here.”
Diaz last time in the octagon was a submission victory over Tony Ferguson in the main event of September’s UFC 279. Diaz won by guillotine choke.
“All I know is it’s been a love-hate relationship with the UFC the whole time I’ve been in this f*cking organization,” Diaz said during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
Now, Diaz intends to become a promoter of boxing, MMA and grappling through his new promotion, Real Fight Inc.
“The new venture has no bearing on his status as a fighter, where he will continue to be very active. Real Fight, Inc. is his expansion into the business side of the sport where he has been a fixture for close to 20 years,” a press release read.
“The promotion will look to attract fighters from around the world, whether it be up and coming prospects or household names who fit the brand of “Real Ninjas. Real Fighters. Real S***…”