Fan-favorite Nate Diaz has been in a public dispute with the UFC over contract issues. Being on the last fight of his agreement, Diaz has effectively been shelved by the UFC for about a year. Earlier today, Diaz took aim at Michael Chandler as a possible final bout to then become a free agent.
Nate Diaz wants to fight Michael Chandler
Having not competed since his last outing against Leon Edwards last July, Nate Diaz has been urging the UFC to book him for a fight. Diaz has fought sporadically over the last six years with a three-year gap between 2016 and 2019. His loss to Edwards came after a two-year hiatus from the competition as well.
After interest from the UFC died down regarding a showdown with Dustin Poirier, Diaz has his eyes set on Michael Chandler. Taking to Twitter to tease a possible return date, Nate Diaz posted the following message.
July 30th 170lbs
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) May 8, 2022
“July 30th 170lbs”
It didn’t take long for fellow athletes to respond to Diaz including Chandler who expressed his willingness to take the fight.
I’m there. Quick turn around. Spin your head on its axis. @natediaz209 https://t.co/43AJiZtmlx
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) May 9, 2022
“I’m there. Quick turn around. Spin your head on its axis. @natediaz209“
Following Chandler’s response, Nate Diaz urged the UFC to book the fight.
UFC got me on ice for a year now chandlers obviously ready to fight send a contract it’s time pic.twitter.com/YJBWEu790F
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) May 10, 2022
UFC got me on ice for a year now chandlers obviously ready to fight send a contract it’s time”
Will UFC book Chandler vs. Diaz?
Coming off a barbaric knockout win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 274, Michael Chandler became the first man to put ‘El Cucuy’ to sleep. In one of the most electrifying post-fight interviews, ‘Iron’ Mike demanded a fight for the UFC lightweight title against the winner of Oliveira vs. Gaethje.
Chandler also called out Conor McGregor in case he doesn’t get the title shot. The 36-year-old even agreed to take on ‘The Notorious’ at 170 lbs if need be. He also responded to Diaz after the call out.
“Hey @natediaz209 …shut up and stop complaining. Keep your mouth shut. Keep your head down until your daddy books a fight for you to get your sacrificial dome bounced off the canvas again. Maybe it’ll be me…if you’re lucky. See you at the top!”
It’s unclear whether the UFC will book Chandler for a fight against Diaz. Many speculate the promotion’s plans to book a third fight between Diaz and McGregor. With only one fight remaining on his current deal, UFC will likely not risk losing out on a big-money fight without a renewed contract.”
