For avoidance of any doubt, Nate Diaz has NOT retired.
Diaz’s tilt at the “BMF” title at UFC 244 was halted by the octagonside physician, who stopped the fight on cuts after three thrilling rounds with Jorge Masvidal at Madison Square Garden.
After the fight, Diaz (20-12 MMA, 15-10 UFC) cut a disappointed figure in the post-fight press conference. And by the time he took to social media afterwards, that disappointment had seemingly turned to disillusionment.
“(Expletive) a rematch – this (expletive) was over before it started,” he posted to his Instagram account. “I’m goin out on tour. Peace out fight game.”
To some, that meant Diaz was done with the sport and was announcing his departure off into the sunset. Even Masvidal gave credence to the idea as he left a standing offer of a rematch to Diaz if the Stockton native ever decided to return to the octagon.
But any suggestions that Diaz had hung up the four-ounce gloves appear to have been premature, with the former UFC lightweight title challenger telling ESPN that he hadn’t retired.
“Who said I was retired?” he said. “I’ll fight tonight.”
And, to underline the point he made another declaration.
“I’ll fight forever,” he said. “I’m never going to retire, that’s for sure.”
That’s good news for Diaz fans, for the UFC and possibly for Conor McGregor, who has already suggested he’d fancy facing his old rival inside the octagon in a trilogy bout in 2020.
