Nate Diaz has declared he will not fight Conor McGregor for a third time, as his strained relationship with the UFC reaches a new low. The 37-year-old fan favourite is seeking a final fight to complete his contract, but has accused the organisation of slow-rolling his requests.
Diaz took to social media to vent his frustration, writing: 'I been trying to fight everybody and no go what’s the hold up UFC? I’m not fighting Conor he sucks. I’ll fight some one quit slow rolling me please Thanks.' The statement effectively ends speculation of a trilogy bout with McGregor, who Diaz submitted in 2016 before losing the rematch.
Gilbert Burns has offered to step in, replying to Diaz's tweet with 'Fight me Nathan.' Diaz had previously appeared close to a fight with Dustin Poirier after both verbally agreed on social media, but the UFC has not sanctioned the bout.
Diaz's anger also extends to the UFC's recent promotion of NFTs linked to him and his brother Nick on '420 day', a date associated with marijuana. He accused the organisation of hypocrisy, noting they had suspended Nick for five years and fined him for a vape pen. 'It’s s*** like this why I need to get the f*** out of the sorry a** UFC,' he wrote.
With two losses in his last fights—against Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards—and his contract nearing its end, Diaz's future in MMA is uncertain. The UFC now faces a dilemma over how to handle one of its most marketable stars as he pushes for an exit.
