Jon Jones and Nate Diaz, two MMA legends, shared their lack of enthusiasm for the UFC’s current roster in a May 2025 interview. Expressing unfamiliarity with newer fighters, they highlighted a disconnect with the sport’s evolving landscape, noting a shift from the era of stars they once knew.
Jon Jones, born July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York, holds a 27-1 record and is the UFC heavyweight champion. A former light heavyweight titleholder with 11 defenses, he won the heavyweight belt in March 2023 by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 and defended it against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024.
Nate Diaz, born April 16, 1985, in Stockton, California, competed in the UFC from 2007 to 2022, earning a 21-13 record. Known for his jiu-jitsu, he won The Ultimate Fighter 5 and submitted Conor McGregor at UFC 196 in 2016. His last UFC fight was a submission win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022.
Disinterest in Current UFC
During the podcast, Jones revealed his limited engagement, stating:
“I barely watch it. I barely watch the UFC these days unless it’s my weight class.”
His focus remains on heavyweights, reflecting his current division and selective interest.
Diaz echoed this sentiment, saying:
“Cuz who are all these people? We don’t even know nobody.”
His comment underscores a lack of familiarity with newer fighters dominating recent UFC events.
Jones agreed with Diaz, noting:
“A lot of people that we don’t know.”
The rise of fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov, who headlined UFC 310 in December 2024, and Movsar Evloev, a contender at featherweight, represents a shift from the era of McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Anderson Silva.
Diaz elaborated, stating:
“Everybody’s gone, it’s like a whole new generation. Everybody’s got potential, but it’s slow moving right now.”
Jon Jones and Nate Diaz said they barely watch the UFC anymore 👀
“Who are all the people?” pic.twitter.com/yFRA7fMekM
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) May 29, 2025
He acknowledged the talent but felt the UFC’s momentum has slowed compared to their peak eras.
Jones discussed his disinterest while negotiating a potential fight with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, prioritizing his own division over others.
Diaz, fresh off a boxing win over Jorge Masvidal in July 2024 and a brawl-induced exit from the ALF Global reality show, remains detached from the UFC since leaving in 2022. His comments reflect a nostalgia for familiar names.
Jones and Diaz’s era included iconic events like UFC 100 in 2009 and UFC 200 in 2016, which featured multiple household names. Today’s roster, while talented, lacks the same mainstream recognition.
Jones and Diaz’s remarks highlight a challenge for the UFC in building new stars. While fighters like Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria gain traction, the absence of crossover figures like McGregor impacts visibility.
Their disinterest may also reflect personal priorities, with Jones focusing on his division and Diaz exploring ventures outside MMA, including a potential boxing rematch with Jake Paul.
Jones remains a key figure in the UFC, with a possible Aspinall fight targeted for late 2025. Diaz’s future in combat sports is unclear, but his detachment from the UFC suggests a continued focus on external projects.
