Nate Diaz formally out of UFC, will negotiate future fights

Nate Diaz’s time with the UFC is formally over. At the least for now.

The longtime UFC fighter and one of many largest stars in MMA has formally been faraway from the UFC roster, promotion officers confirmed with ESPN on Tuesday. MMA Combating was the primary to report the information.

The ultimate struggle on Diaz’s UFC contract was in opposition to Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 on Sept. 10. However the UFC nonetheless had an unique negotiating window with Diaz, which is now over, in keeping with Diaz’s consultant Zach Rosenfield. Diaz’s staff will start discussions about future fights “instantly,” Rosenfield mentioned.

“We at the moment are going to start the method of Nate’s free company,” Rosenfield mentioned.

Diaz, 37, beat Ferguson through fourth-round submission at UFC 279, leaving the UFC on a excessive notice. The Stockton, California native has been concerned in among the largest fights the promotion has placed on lately, together with a pair of bouts with Conor McGregor and contest for the legendary BMF title in opposition to Jorge Masvidal.

Diaz had been with the UFC because the fifth season of The Final Fighter actuality present in 2007. He instructed ESPN in an interview over the summer time that he does wish to return to the UFC ultimately, however proper now he will search alternatives exterior of the promotion, doubtlessly in boxing. Diaz additionally lately began up his personal promotional entity, Actual Struggle Inc., and plans to advertise himself in subsequent bouts.

“The best factor is a motherf—er who can do regardless of the f— he desires,” Diaz instructed ESPN in August.