Nate Diaz Has UFC Deal Extended Ahead Of Contract Talks

MMA journalist Ariel Helwani is reporting that Nate Diaz’s current UFC contract has been extended into the new year with added fights.

This may mean that the current price tag on his contract will not change, and new negotiations are still expected to take place during the new year. Diaz has been vocal in his desire to make more money and also fight top contenders at welterweight.

Helwani reported the news earlier today on his Substack page, hinting that this could be a ploy to allow more time for Conor McGregor’s eventual return to the octagon. This also could create the precedent for a Diaz vs. McGregor trilogy in 2022.

“Sounds like the UFC is moving on from Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nathan Diaz fight and, as a result, have extended Diaz’s contract,” Helwani said. “I think they knew that would happen and were hoping to buy time for when Conor McGregor is ready to return later this year.”

“Diaz hasn’t signed any new deal yet, so that, too, is a fascinating story to watch next year.”

Nate Diaz Recently Turned Down Khamzat Chimaev

Diaz most recently mocked the idea of a return against rising welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev, referring to the prospect as a “rookie”. Chimaev most recently defeated Li Jingliang at UFC 267 in arguably the most dominant performance of his young career.

Diaz had also been rumored to be in negotiations to fight Vicente Luque earlier this year, although nothing ended up coming to fruition. Both sides had accused the other of dodging negotiations and looking to get out of the deal.

Diaz hasn’t fought since his loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 263 via a unanimous decision and remains a massive pay-per-view star for the promotion. His contract extension could set up a very interesting 2022 for Stockton’s own.

Who would you like Nate Diaz to fight in his return?