UFC 279: Nate Diaz feels like he is ‘limited’ by the UFC
By Alec Arritola
Ahead of UFC 279, Nate Diaz told reporters that he feels his opportunities are “limited” by being in the UFC.
It is no surprise to fight fans that Nate Diaz doesn’t hold too much respect for the organization that he has been fighting under since 2007. At his UFC 279 media day interview, Nate Diaz once again expressed his concerns over being signed to the UFC while mentioning his current plans and aspirations.
“I feel like the UFC… it’s kind of limited for me,” Diaz said. “I wanted to reach f***ing higher, higher goals, higher objectives, and do bigger stuff than this.”
Last week, Diaz announced that he would be heading up his own promotion, “Real Fight, Inc.” which will promote different combat sports shows, including boxing, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Despite becoming a promoter, Diaz has no plans of ending his fighting career.
Nate Diaz: ‘I’m going to do something bigger than I’ve ever done’
“Under the UFC umbrella, it’s like you’re… like I said; you’re limited. You only go so far,” Diaz told reporters. “It’s only [the] halftime show. It’s time to blow past everybody here and the organization.”
Since winning The Ultimate Fighter 5, Diaz has fought 25 times over the course of 15 years, which catapulted him to stardom with wins over the likes of Conor McGregor, Donald Cerrone, and Anthony Pettis. At UFC 279, he faces the rising welterweight star Khamzat Chimaev (11-0) in a matchup that sees Diaz as a +750 underdog.
“Even if it involved me staying in [the UFC] or getting out, I’m going to do something bigger than I’ve ever done as soon as this is done. Bigger than this, bigger than whatever is in the past as well.”
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