Nate Diaz has his sights set on an opponent should he return to the UFC.
Diaz, who fought out his UFC contract with a submission win over Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 279 in September 2022, has
competed in the boxing ring a couple of times since his long tenure with the promotion concluded.
In a video posted to his Instagram page, Diaz was asked who he was fighting next, and he said he wants to face Paddy Pimblett.
“Shit, I’m looking at Pimblett,” Diaz said. “Probably Pimblett.”
Unfortunately for Diaz, Pimblett is already booked in an interim lightweight championship main event against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on Jan. 24. Should “The Baddy” get the victory, Pimblett is expected to face undisputed champ Ilia Topuria in a unification bout later this year, according to UFC CEO Dana White when he announced the first headliner of the Paramount+ era.
Since his win over Ferguson, the Stockton, Calif., native faced Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal in boxing matches. Paul earned a decision win over Diaz in their August 2023 tilt, while Diaz got a little revenge over Masvidal with a majority decision victory in July 2024.
Speaking of Paul, Diaz was asked for a prediction for his past opponent’s upcoming heavyweight bout against Anthony Joshua on Dec. 19 in Miami.
“I got my money on Paul,” Diaz said. “He might get his ass knocked out, but if he don’t, Paul’s going to win.”
