Nate Diaz teases his return to go after the ‘BMF’ title: ‘I got unfinished business … I’ll see you soon’

Diaz, a veteran figure renowned for his unyielding fight style and candid persona, took to social media on Wednesday, issuing a statement that resonated deeply with the combat sports community. "Let’s not act like I didn’t start a whole division bringing value to all these guys claiming they’re it," Diaz posted on Twitter. "I gave opportunity and put notice on the dopest fights. I got unfinished business and I plan on going and taking what’s mine ASAP. First to ever start a division and the dopest one at that. You’re welcome motherf*ckers. I’ll see you soon. I’m coming." Complementing this assertive declaration, Diaz also shared an image of the BMF title on Instagram, accompanied by the concise caption, "unfinished business."

These remarks have ignited speculation regarding Diaz’s re-entry into the UFC, an organization he departed from following the expiration of his contract in September 2022. The timing of his statement is particularly notable given the upcoming UFC 326 event, where current BMF champion Max Holloway is slated to defend the title against former lightweight king Charles Oliveira in the main event. Diaz’s social media activity strongly indicates a desire to challenge the winner of this highly anticipated bout, or to otherwise reinsert himself into the BMF title picture.

The BMF title, while initially conceived as a symbolic recognition of sheer toughness and fighting spirit, has evolved into a legitimate championship within the UFC. Its genesis can be directly attributed to Nate Diaz himself. Following his dominant victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 in August 2019, Diaz famously called out Jorge Masvidal, proclaiming, "I’m the baddest motherf***er in the game. Real fights, real money. That’s what I’m talking about." This impromptu challenge quickly captured the imagination of fans and UFC President Dana White, leading to the creation of a unique, custom-made championship belt for the main event of UFC 244.

The inaugural BMF title fight between Diaz and Masvidal took place on November 2, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, a high-profile event attended by then-President Donald Trump and featuring Hollywood superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson presenting the custom belt. The fight itself was a brutal, back-and-forth affair that lived up to its billing. However, the contest was controversially stopped by the cageside doctor at the end of the third round due to severe cuts sustained by Diaz, resulting in a TKO victory for Masvidal. Despite the loss, Diaz’s role in conceptualizing and popularizing the title has remained undisputed among fans and pundits.

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Diaz’s professional mixed martial arts career, which spans over two decades, boasts a record of 22 wins and 13 losses. He first rose to prominence as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5 lightweight tournament in 2007. Throughout his UFC tenure, Diaz cultivated a reputation as a relentless volume striker with exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, capable of enduring immense punishment and turning the tide of a fight in an instant. His two unforgettable clashes with Conor McGregor in 2016 catapulted him into mainstream sports stardom, with both fights ranking among the highest-selling pay-per-views in UFC history. Diaz secured a submission victory over McGregor in their first encounter at UFC 196, shocking the sports world, before succumbing to a majority decision loss in their closely contested rematch at UFC 202.

Following his initial BMF title challenge against Masvidal, Diaz competed twice more under the UFC banner. His return to the octagon after a nearly two-year hiatus saw him face Leon Edwards at UFC 263 in June 2021. In a welterweight contest, Diaz absorbed significant damage for the majority of the fight but rallied dramatically in the final minute of the fifth round, nearly finishing Edwards with a flurry of punches. Despite the late surge, Edwards secured a unanimous decision victory, a win that contributed to his eventual capture of the UFC Welterweight Championship.

Diaz’s final fight in his UFC contract took place at UFC 279 in September 2022. Originally scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev, the main event underwent a dramatic change during fight week when Chimaev missed weight significantly. Diaz was subsequently rebooked to fight former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson. In a highly anticipated matchup between two fan-favorite veterans, Diaz showcased his signature durability and boxing, ultimately submitting Ferguson with a guillotine choke in the fourth round, ending his UFC chapter on a winning note.

Since his departure from the UFC, Diaz has ventured into professional boxing, further solidifying his status as a marquee attraction in combat sports. His boxing debut occurred in August 2023 against YouTube personality and professional boxer Jake Paul. The bout, contested at cruiserweight, saw Diaz put forth a gritty effort but ultimately lost a unanimous decision to Paul. Demonstrating his enduring appeal and willingness to engage in high-profile matchups, Diaz then faced his former BMF rival, Jorge Masvidal, in a boxing rematch in July 2024. In this contest, Diaz reversed the outcome of their first meeting, securing a unanimous decision victory over Masvidal, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.

UFC President Dana White has consistently expressed an open-door policy for Diaz, indicating that the Stockton native would always be welcomed back to the organization should he choose to return. This reciprocal sentiment from Diaz, as evidenced by his recent social media posts, suggests that a reunion between the fighter and the promotion may be on the horizon.

The current landscape of the BMF title adds intrigue to Diaz’s potential return. Max Holloway, a former UFC Featherweight Champion with a storied career, is known for his relentless striking and iron chin. Charles Oliveira, a former UFC Lightweight Champion, is celebrated for his dangerous grappling and record-breaking submission finishes. The winner of their clash at UFC 326 will undoubtedly represent a formidable challenge for Diaz, who would be seeking to reclaim a title he believes is intrinsically linked to his legacy.

Should Diaz indeed return to the UFC, the financial implications would be substantial. His consistent draw as a pay-per-view attraction would undoubtedly bolster any fight card he participates in. Beyond the BMF title, other potential matchups could also generate significant interest, including a highly anticipated trilogy bout with Conor McGregor, or challenges against other top contenders in the welterweight or lightweight divisions.

Diaz’s enduring popularity stems not only from his fighting prowess but also from his authentic, unfiltered personality and "gangster" persona. His unique fighting style, characterized by the "Stockton Slap," high-volume boxing, and aggressive grappling, has captivated audiences for years. His recent pronouncements serve as a clear indication that the 39-year-old fighter still possesses the competitive fire and desire to compete at the highest level, particularly for a championship he helped inaugurate. The combat sports world now awaits further developments regarding Nate Diaz’s potential return and his pursuit of the BMF title.

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