UFC lightweight and occasional welterweight Nate Diaz has been heavily linked to a UFC 222 main event slot. Although he hasn’t fought in 18 months, Diaz was reported as interested in stepping up to save the main event on one month’s notice…
The standoff between the UFC and the brothers Diaz is no fresh occurrence. Prior to the Anderson Silva fight, Nick Diaz had been out of action for two years out of choice. When he eventually did return, Diaz popped for Marijuana following his decision loss at UFC 183.
Although his ban was reduced to 18 months and lifted in August 2016, the older Diaz bro has no plans to return. Similarly to older bro, Nate Diaz has been sidelined since his UFC 202 rematch with Conor McGregor.
Citing pay disputed, Diaz has turned down multiple fights and title shots while waiting for a better monetary incentive. That was until last week when Diaz announced his intentions to return this summer.
Nate Diaz-UFC 222
After Mx Holloway pulled out of UFC 222 injured, the hunt was on for a replacement main event. While Frankie Edgar offered to fight anyone at any weight, reports emerged that Nate Diaz was interested in saving the pay-per-view card on March 3.
While there were no confirmations from UFC officials, the rumors did come from a veritable and respected source. Speaking with LA Times, Dana White has responded to the reports and it’s not great news for fans of the 209 clan:
Dana Poops on Oarade
In another text message exchange with The Times, White sent back the rolled eyes emoji when asked if a Diaz return would be considered to compensate for Holloway’s loss from the event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Then, White repeated a statement he gave The Times last week: “He [Diaz] doesn’t want to fight.
”We have made around five or six fights in the last six months and he has turned them all down. Alvarez, [Justin] Gaethje, [Edson] Barboza and [interim lightweight champion Tony] Ferguson multiple times.”
Damn it…
Money? Money!? Money
Eddie Alvarez recently put Diaz on blast while on the MMA Hour, claiming he would make a million bucks if they fought and the Stockton native is being too picky:
“And the thing is, they say, ‘He jut wants money, he wants money.’ Let me tell the fans something…”
“I know Nate’s contract, I know it, I know exactly what he gets. I hired his management when I was doing my McGregor deal. So, I know his deal in and out. Nate’s getting paid… MONEY! He’s going to make millions regardless of who he fights.”
Alvarez continued, “If he fights me he’s going to make over a million dollars, guaranteed. Don’t worry about Nate getting paid. If he don’t want to fight, it’s because he don’t want to fight the opponent. He’s going to make money.”
