Israel Adesanya has claimed Nate Diaz "didn't give a f***" during his UFC victory over Tony Ferguson.
Diaz was set to take on an extremely difficult test against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279 in Las Vegas last weekend, but instead fought late-notice replacement Ferguson after the Chechen star missed weight. And the UFC veteran produced a dominant display to pick up a victory in what is likely to be his final bow in the UFC after his contract expired.
Despite having failed to win in his two fights prior to his latest outing, Diaz put on a superb display and earned plaudits despite having his mind on a future in the boxing ring. UFC middleweight king Adesanya delivered his verdict on Diaz's display on his YouTube channel where he reacted to the night's events live.
He said of Ferguson's spinning attacks during the fight: "Next time he spins that way and does that thing where he turns his back, Diaz just throw a left to the head man." He then saluted Diaz's mentality after he picked up his win, adding: "Diaz don't give a f*** anymore. He's like, 'I'm out. I'm going to do what I want.'"
"No way! That's the s*** right there, that's the sh** right there. [Claps] That's the s*** right there. That's the s*** right there. Good job lads." Adesanya had already shown his support to Diaz in the build-up to his original planned clash with Chimaev, surprisingly backing the 37-year-old veteran to hand the rising star his first defeat with the promotion.
It was a long road to Diaz's final win with the star having not fought since losing to Leon Edwards last June. The UFC veteran had been linked with a whole host of opponents including a trilogy bout with Conor McGregor and a clash with Dustin Poirier.
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However the fights failed to materialise and it looked as if Diaz would have to force his way out of his contract with the promotion, making several emotional pleas to be released. However the Stockton native is now free from his deal after beating Ferguson in his final fight and will explore his options in the boxing ring.
This could include a shot in the boxing ring against YouTube star Jake Paul, or a third showdown with McGregor outside of the UFC once the Irishman's own deal has expired. Diaz has admitted he wants to better his rival McGregor's record in the boxing ring and earn more money to do so.
“I want to get out of the UFC for a minute and show all these fighters how to take over and own up another sport how you’re supposed to do it because Conor McGregor didn’t know how to do it," he said. "None of these other fighters know how to do it. So I’m going to go out there and I’m going take over another profession and become the best at that. Show everybody I’m the best at that."
