LAS VEGAS – It was “mission accomplished” for Nate Diaz at UFC 279.
The popular UFC standout Diaz (20-14 MMA, 15-12 UFC) had his anticipated final fight on his UFC contract Saturday when he submitted Tony Ferguson (25-8 MMA, 15-6 UFC) in the fourth round of the welterweight headliner at T-Mobile Arena, bringing his obligations with the promotion to an end.
In the aftermath of a chaotic week, where his opponent switched from Khamzat Chimaev to Ferguson on just one day’s notice due to a significant weight miss, Diaz was in a spirited mood, but didn’t want to delve into many details about his future.
When asked if he’ll be back in the octagon one day, Diaz reiterated what he told Joe Rogan inside the octagon, that he feels there’s some business to adhere to outside the organization, but he intends to be back.
“I have no plans on not being back in the UFC,” Diaz told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at the UFC 279 post-fight news conference.
Diaz said he was determined to get out of his contract even when Chimaev missed weight. He claims he got a significant raise for changing opponents, and ultimately “lost count” of all the money he walked away with.
What he does know, though, is that Ferguson was a good opponent to exit on – for now – rather than Chimaev, who he trashed for his performance against Kevin Holland.
“Just respect,” Diaz said. “(Ferguson has) been fighting a while. Fought a lot of good people, had a lot of good performances. Put on a lot of crazy fights, taken a lot of damage. … It’s just respect. It’s the toughest job in the world. That guy should be a hundred millionaire.”
Diaz played coy on what’s next, but admitted he’s interested in the upcoming Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva boxing match on Oct. 29, which many believe could provide his next opponent.
“Jake Paul and Anderson Silva, get me some ringside seats,” Diaz said.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 279.
