Former UFC Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has recently expressed his doubts about Nate Diaz’s potential return to the UFC for a title fight. The 39-year-old Diaz’s combat sports career shows no signs of slowing down. He is still quite popular and has several potential blockbuster fights lined up.
Usman dismissed the possibility of Diaz getting a title shot
On the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman insisted that although Diaz is popular, he is not a UFC title contender at this stage of his career. “The Stockton Slugger” beat Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match last Saturday and after the bout demanded a rematch with Jake Paul. He also called out the current UFC Welterweight champion Leon Edwards. However, Usman dismissed this suggestion.
Usman stated that Nate Diaz is in the final stages of his career and even though he has made a great name for himself, coming back to UFC to fight world-class fighters is absurd and crazy.
Diaz still has a great star power
“The Nigerian Nightmare” further explained that Nate still has a great ability to draw crowds and put on thrilling fights, but his days as a top fighter are behind him. “Put Nate Diaz in with Shavkat Rakhmonov, myself, or Justin Gaethje. Come on,” Usman emphasized. His co-host, Henry Cejudo, added that Diaz’s history with Edwards could make a rematch attractive to matchmakers.
Nate Diaz faced off with Leon Edwards back in 2021 at UFC 263 and although dominated most of the fight, Diaz’s last minute attack made him shaky, creating a memorable moment in the fight. Usman dismissed this moment saying that it doesn’t justify Diaz getting the title shot.
“One moment in the fight doesn’t warrant a title shot,” said Usman.
Usman acknowledged Nate’s star power but didn’t agree on the idea of him being a contender for a title fight, despite many better candidates being in the line than him. He suggested that Nate should consider the rematch with Jake Paul in PFL or the trilogy bout with Conor McGregor, as it will offer him a hefty amount to fight.
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