Nate Diaz reveals reason behind refusal to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Nate Diaz never fought each other in the UFC, but it was not for a lack of talk over the years.

In an appearance on Sneako’s stream, Diaz spoke about why he decided against accepting that particular matchup early in his career.

There is no exact date tied to when this bout was proposed, though Dana White did mention back in 2014 that Diaz had turned down a fight with Khabib.

‘The Eagle’ debuted in 2012, while Diaz, then a top lightweight, was on a three-fight win streak, earning him a title shot against Benson Henderson.

The former t itle challenger explained during the stream that facing an unknown newcomer at that stage of his career did not add up for him.

“‘He turned down a fight with me’. I was like, I didn’t even know who you were. They offered me a fight against Khabib when he was brand a– new. I fought for a title, and I fought hella people already and they offered me a fight with Khabib.

“I was like f— you. You’re going to make a name off me with some new guy? Give me somebody in the top f—— five. I just fought the champion so now I’ve got to fight somebody way down the list?”

Chael Sonnen offers insight into Nate Diaz’s UFC future

Recent speculation has centred on the p otential return of Nate Diaz to the UFC in the near future.

Even though it seems like a long shot, Diaz added fuel to the fire by calling out Max Holloway and claiming he is still the real BMF champion.

Chael Sonnen revealed on ESPN’s ‘Good Guy / Bad Guy’ that he has spoken with Diaz. While he does not anticipate Diaz’s return at lightweight, Sonnen believes a comeback is still possible.

“I don’t think that that’s in his cards, but I do think – and I’ve spoken to Nate personally – a return is more possible than some people give it credit for.”

There is nothing official about a potential comeback for ‘The Stockton Slugger’, but it would not be a surprise if he joined the hype around the 2026 UFC White House event, as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones have done.