Diaz Fires Back At Topuria After White House Loss

Nate Diaz went after Ilia Topuria over the featherweight champion's recent loss to Justin Gaethje, flipping Topuria's own insult back at him.

Speaking at the Ki MMA launch event in Los Angeles on Monday, Diaz responded to past comments from Topuria with blunt dismissal. "Ilia is lame. He's a punching bag," Diaz said, per MMA Fighting. "He called me a punching bag. He got his ass whooped. And they made a big deal out of him just like they did off Conor when he started coming up. Well, you get a little early pump up before you've been in a real fight. He got a real fight with Justin Gaethje and now look at you."

Diaz Eyes Ring Return With New Promotion

The 41-year-old confirmed he would fight for Scott Coker's new Ki MMA outfit if the opportunity arose, particularly if the bouts took place in a ring rather than a cage. Diaz told reporters he wants to fight at least twice in 2027, with a January start date at the earliest. He wrote off a Mike Perry rematch for now, saying their paths have diverged since their March bout at MVP MMA 1, but added he plans to settle that score eventually.

Diaz has fought three times since leaving UFC in 2022, going 1-2 with a boxing win over Jorge Masvidal and losses to Jake Paul and Perry. He said he remains open to multiple promotional options, including a return to UFC as what he called a freelance option. He sent positive words toward Conor McGregor after the Irishman's knee injury but kept the door open for a Jake Paul rematch, provided the promotion changes its name from PFL.

Ki MMA has not announced any signed fighters or scheduled events beyond Monday's unveiling.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Nate Diaz mocks Ilia Topuria over White House loss: ‘I’m a punching bag? You’re a punching bag’