UFC 244: Nate Diaz Believes he Should Keep Fighting, But Taking “Forever Off” is Possible

Nate Diaz has seemed re-engaged in the fight game this past year, and he’s about to compete in one of the biggest bouts of 2019. But, the Stockton star admits that Saturday night could end up being the last time he fights in the Octagon.

Diaz’s long awaited return

Diaz returned to the Octagon this past August for the first time since 2016, when he battled Conor McGregor twice (Diaz went 1-1 in the contests). Following his loss to McGregor at UFC 202, Diaz repeatedly said he wouldn’t return to action until the right offer and fight came along.

At UFC 241, Diaz worked his way to a decision win over Anthony Pettis, and afterward, he called his shot. That shot was a bout with Jorge Masvidal, and the two are going to throw hands in the headliner of UFC 244, Saturday.

Diaz’s post UFC 244 future

Well, since two years went by without Diaz fighting, and because he’s made it clear he’s going to fight on his own terms, talk about his future continues. While speaking to the media this week about what might transpire after UFC 244, Diaz said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I’ll never have to fight again (after UFC 244),” Diaz said. “I didn’t have to fight a long time ago. But what am I going to do? I’ve got all kinds of other stuff going on, but … I don’t like not fighting.”

“I’ll take forever off, or I’ll get back to it if anybody comes correct,” Diaz said. “The only reason we’ve had problems in the past is because you better treat me like it’s supposed to be. I’ve been in this game forever doing my thing regardless of outcome. I’m coming back my next fight stronger, better anyways.”

“I think (fighting) is the best thing for me,” Diaz said. “It’s weird because it’s self-destructive fighting, and it’s self-destructive not fighting. Kill or be killed. Like I said before, it’d kill him with it, it’d kill him without it. I don’t want to do this (expletive) at all, but sitting back watching somebody else do it is not comfortable for me.”

If Diaz wins on Saturday, there’s probably a good chance that he’s already thought about who he wants to fight next, and he’ll make that call out. At this stage of Diaz’s career, considering how big a star he is, chances are any challenge he makes will get accepted and the UFC will probably be on board.

But, if Diaz loses, then things could get problematic, and we might see him return to the sidelines for a prolonged stint. Then again, you never know. That could also happen if he goes out and finishes Masvidal in emphatic fashion as well.