What did Nate Diaz say after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279?
Never one to shy away from the show, ‘Diablo’ left the door open to a UFC return, but also spoke about ‘taking over’ another sport.
In what could well be his last fight in the UFC, Diaz put on a classy show in Las Vegas, before hinting at a possible future return to the octagon which has made him a legend of the sport.
Nate Diaz defeats Tony Ferguson at UFC 279
On Saturday night, Nate Diaz put on a vintage performance in the main event of UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena, as he submitted Tony Ferguson courtesy of a perfectly executed guillotine choke at 2:52 mark in the fourth round of the new main event. Diaz, was of course fighting Ferguson after Khamzat Chimaev missed weight on Friday, leaving the UFC no choice but to alter the final three fights on the main card for the night.
Interestingly, Chimaev was a -1200 favorite over Diaz, however, following the change in lineup, Diaz closed as only a +125 underdog to Ferguson. Even more interesting, is the fact that though Ferguson was a -150 favorite, there were six times as many tickets written on Diaz.
What was Nate Diaz hinting at post fight?
Without doubt, there will be plenty of chatter regarding what Nate Diaz said post fight. After indicating that he could return to the UFV, Diaz went on to disclose that he intended to show fellow fighters how to take over another sport. “I want to get out of the UFC for a minute and show all these UFC fighters how to take over and own up another sport how you’re supposed to do it,” Diaz said in the cage. “Conor McGregor didn’t know how to do it. None of these other fighters know how to do it. So, I’m going to go out there, I’m going to take over another, another profession and become the best at that - show everybody I’m the best at that.”
How did the fight between Diaz and Ferguson go?
Typical ‘Diablo’ is how the fight could have been described. Indeed, Diaz put on one of his traditional performances with quite a bit of boxing, while he circled the cage constantly. As the fight progressed, it became clear that he was finding more success, as he began to openly hurt Ferguson. By the time the fight arrived at the fourth round, Ferguson could be seen bleeding from the area around his right eye, while sporting a sizeable gash on his left shin.
Where Diaz was concerned, his legs definitely showed the effects of Ferguson’s constant kicks, but it was his hands that ultimately decided the fight. Interestingly, the one-time UFC icon was quick to praise his fellow American opponent. “It was good to fight another OG and not [Chimaev’s] bitch ass,” Diaz said. A clear crowd favorite, Diaz was cheered on throughout the fight, only to rise to an eruption of celebrations when Ferguson tapped out in the 4th.