Nate Diaz Lists His Toughest Opponent
Nate Diaz is one of the biggest and most recognizable names in MMA history. However, Nate has faced his fair share of box office names in the sport. As well as extremely difficult competition. When fans look at Nate’s resume of opponents, names like Donald Cerrone, Benson Henderson, and Conor McGregor stick out as steep competition. However, Diaz recently revealed who he’s believed to be his hardest test in the octagon.
Diaz recently appeared on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show ahead of his ‘BMF’ title fight at UFC 244. During the hour-long broadcast, Nate spoke about his opponent Jorge Masvidal, his brother Nick, the BMF title, and much more.
Nate Diaz Speaks to the Media
A moment that stood out particularly was when Nate unveiled his toughest opponent. The answer was surprising, especially after analyzing the long list of strong combatants that Diaz has faced.
“Josh Neer,” said Diaz. “He’s not in the UFC anymore. I fought him. He was the hardest fight I had.”
Nate continued, “He fought my brother two, three rounds, and they were just (expletive) squabbing. That’s another guy in the category, too, and I knew fighting him that he was the man. He fought my bro, he was mad that Nick beat him, so he probably wanted to beat my (expletive) all over the place.”
Nate also explained why Neer was such a difficult challenge for him. He listed facing a host of black belts prior to fighting Neer, and that be believed the matches were getting progressively easier.
Prior to facing Neer, Diaz fought Junior Assunção, Alvin Robinson, and Kurt Pellegrino. Nate finished all three opponents via rear-naked choke within two rounds, giving him supreme confidence heading into the fight.
Nate Explains Neer as his Toughest Opponent
“I just tapped out four black belts or something, and in the UFC (too). Like, good black belts,” said Nate.
He continued,” I was a purple belt. I was like, ‘These fools are getting easier and easier.’ I was like, ‘This guy is probably a white belt. He’s not even ranked in jiu-jitsu.’ And back then, I was trying to get a black belt, so I knew. ”
“I was like, ‘Man, this guy isn’t even ranked – he’s going to be hard and crazy, but at least he’s probably just a white belt.’ I fought him and he was the hardest fight I had. Those black belts were easy compared to him.”
Neer has had 53 professional MMA bouts in his career. He’s beaten the likes of Anthony Smith, Duane Ludwig, Din Thomas, and more.
Now, Neer can be Nate Diaz’s toughest opponent to his long list of MMA achievements.
