Free agency seems to be a double-edged sword for Nate Diaz.
After much success in the UFC, Diaz decided to take a chance on himself and fought out his promotional contract in 2022. The Stockton native packed up his bags for free agency following one last win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279.
Diaz's decision to leave the UFC ultimately lead to a big payday in his boxing debut vs. Jake Paul last August. Diaz came up across the distance, losing to the influencer-turned-boxer on the scorecards.
Now left without a fight and promotion to fight for, Diaz considered a return to the Octagon at UFC 300. Two months out from the event, that possibility doesn't look too good, though.
“I wanted to [fight at [UFC 300], but I don’t think so," Diaz told popular streamer 'Sneako' on Tuesday.
At the moment, it looks like Diaz will move on from MMA as he seeks his first win in the boxing ring. However, just like his rival Conor McGregor, lining up a fight for free agent Diaz isn't as easy as it looks either.
"I think I wanna do boxing, fight another fight or two. I could fight anybody in the world right now but no one can fight me. Everybody’s locked down to organizations... locked down to the UFC, PFL.”
Diaz was rumored to face former foe Jorge Masvidal in the boxing ring later this year, but so far it's been crickets from both sides on the potential matchup. Perhaps, it's because 'Gamebred' is still under UFC contract even after his initial retirement.
Not tethered to any promotion himself, it may take Diaz a minute to find an opponent that can say the same.
"I feel like those guys are more controlling, like we ain't helping this guy," Diaz said of promotions not wanting to let their fighters collide with him. "It's all good, I'll find my own way."
Arguably the biggest free agent on the market today, Nate Diaz has been met with offers before, but none have caught his eye.
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