UFC icon Nate Diaz suffered another devastating loss in the octagon, but his post-fight interview led many to wonder if that defeat should be the last time he steps into the cage.
Diaz fought Mike Perry in the co-main event of MVP MMA 1, the first MMA event of Jake Paul's 'Most Valuable Promotions', at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on Saturday. Perry dominated the fight from the start, throwing punches that left Diaz covered in a cascade of blood. Additionally, there were multiple unconfirmed reports that the fighter soiled himself during the bout.
Diaz's corner threw in the towel at the end of round two, but it was his slurred words after the proceedings ended that led to grave concern from fans. The fighter wore sunglasses while sitting at the press conference where he appeared to have a tough time speaking. Fans on social media all advised Diaz to consider hanging up the gloves following the concerning display.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
One user on X wrote, 'Nate talks like a guy whose brain rebooted mid-sentence but somehow still thinks fighting again is a good career move.' Another said, 'He's so punch drunk and stoned, he's done.' A viral tweet read, 'I've had friends in the industry insist I am wrong, but Nate Diaz is slurring his speech badly. It is very worrying. No, he hasn't always spoke like this – f— off with that. He should not be allowed [to] fight again.'
One comment read, 'Badass legend but looked like a punching bag out there. He’s delusional, not elite, never has been, but talks like he is.' Another MMA fan said, 'Nate, I love you bro. But I literally can't watch you fight no more. Watching that last night was so brutal for me to see. Ur already one of the biggest legends to have never won a belt. Just retire and promote your brothers gym.'
Diaz has been fighting professionally since 2004 and is one of the greatest fighters to never win a belt in the UFC. He left the circuit in 2023. He became known for his outspoken personality and wins over the likes of Conor McGregor and Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone.
