Mixed Martial Arts-Nate Diaz to face Chimaev after demanding UFC exit
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 [July 20, 2022]
By Philip O'Connor
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Fan favourite Nate Diaz, who handed Conor
McGregor his first defeat in the UFC in 2016, is set to face
unbeaten prospect Khamzat Chimaev at welterweight in the final fight
of his UFC contract after demanding to be released a week ago.
UFC executive Hunter Campbell confirmed to ESPN that the fight will
take place at UFC 279 on Sept. 10 in Las Vegas, with Diaz set to
become a free agent after the five-round bout.
The 37-year-old from Stockton, California used an interview on The
MMA Hour last week to demand that the UFC find an opponent for him
for the final fight on his deal so that he could leave the company,
hinting that he had his eye on a future boxing match with YouTuber
Jake Paul.
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Nate Diaz reacts following his loss against Leon Edwards during UFC
263 at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY
Sports
The UFC has now granted that wish but Diaz, an
accomplished boxer and jiu jitsu black belt with a professional
record of 20 wins and 13 losses, faces the prospect of trying to
counter the smothering grappling of Sweden's Chimaev, who is
undefeated in 11 pro bouts and one of the most feared fighters in
the promotion.
Diaz's two fights against Irish superstar McGregor rank second and
fourth in the list of top UFC pay-per-view cards of all time.
(Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Toby Davis)
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