The last time we saw Nate Diaz inside the Octagon, he made $2 million just to show up.
It has been estimated that between his purse, his share of the PPV, sponsorship revenue, bonuses and appearance fess, the Stockton native raked in a cool $13 million for his welterweight do-over against Conor McGregor at UFC 202.
When he choked out McGregor at UFC 196, Diaz became an instant superstar, but more importantly, he was smart enough to realise he was worth more to the promotion than they had been shelling out for him. With the score between himself and McGregor level at one apiece, he knows how lucrative completing the trilogy would be. That’s why he told MMA Fighting that he wouldn’t answer a call for less than $20 million.
What everyone always forgets about that quote is that he admitted he would be willing to take a lightweight bout on the condition that it was ‘big’. A huge fight, potentially for a title, just presented itself this week.
He really thought Nate Diaz would fight him https://t.co/daZ6F9y6n0
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 6, 2017
While a fight against recently dethroned Eddie Alvarez didn’t tickle his fancy, perhaps one against a streaking contender will. Tony Ferguson, who was set to fight for the interim strap at UFC 209 before Khabib Nurmagomedov’s weight cutting debacle ended any hope of that, called out Diaz on Monday’s MMA Hour.
Considering ‘El Cucuy’ did his job and weighed in successfully in Vegas while Nurmagomedov failed to do so, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the UFC would book him for the title fight against Diaz, if both parties were willing.
“I’m just throwing a name out there, but I think Nate Diaz and myself could actually put on a good show. I think his ranking is kind of bullshit too, but I don’t really see anybody else… I want to fight for the title. I want a fair fight, I want to go in there and kick this dude’s ass no matter who’s signed to the dotted line, and fucking move on. And kick Conor’s ass. I don’t know what he’s up to, but lets just go.”
“I’m not a white boy with blue eyes.” https://t.co/zujumETRH6
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 7, 2017
Admittedly, there would be a few stumbling blocks for this fight. Firstly, the UFC will have to come to an agreement with Diaz, which the past has proven can be a real challenge. This has only become more difficult since his wage demands have risen.
Also, with the promotion trying their best to crack the Russian market, they could be seeing if Khabib will be fit enough or able to make the cut for another title shot. Assuming the UFC are telling the truth and they did offer him Alvarez, a fight against someone who isn’t Conor McGregor wouldn’t be off the cards for Diaz.
Stylistically though, the bout would be intriguing, and Ferguson won’t take it lightly if he accepts the challenge.
“Nate’s one of those dudes that I think honestly could challenge my talents right now. I mean, he’s a good fighter man. Black belt level jiu-jitsu, respect that. I’ll go as far as Eddie (Bravo)’s system goes and then my own system, I’m a black belt in my own system. This is something I’ve been doing for a long time. This is an Octagon, it’s not a mat.”
“Let’s go man, I want to go toe-to-toe. Think you’re good, think you’re bad, think, you say ‘don’t be scared homie,’ I’m standing right here. Live what you say.”
We know Diaz isn’t afraid to fight anyone. He fought McGregor on 11 days notice. Ferguson will know that if Diaz turns the offer down, it’s nothing personal, as he’s likely rejecting the terms rather than the opponent.
