Dana White supports Nate Diaz's next career move, including potential UFC future: 'This is his house'
LAS VEGAS – UFC president Dana White supports the next move for Nate Diaz, whatever that may be.
In the main event of UFC 279, Diaz fought out the final fight of his contract with the promotion, against a new opponent in Tony Ferguson after his original opponent, Khamzat Chimaev, missed weight.
Diaz has always been one to march to the beat of his own drum, but throughout the chaos that was a wild fight week that included a canceled press conference and shuffled bouts on a day’s notice, Diaz did his job at every turn, and showed up to compete, and win, in the main event of the pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena.
For that, and much more, White couldn’t be more supportive of whatever Diaz ends up doing next.
“No matter what Nate does from here on out, this is his house,” White told reporters including MMA Junkie at the post-fight news conference. “He’s been here forever. It’s been a blast having him here. I wish him well.
“He and I had this discussion months ago at the offices. Whatever he moves on to do, I wish him nothing but the best. If he’s starting his own organization or getting into promoting or doing something else, I wish him nothing but the best of luck. It’s been awesome having him here.”
Diaz made his UFC debut in 2007 after winning “The Ultimate Fighter Season 5.” After 28 fights with the promotion, there is some finality to his days as a UFC fighter, at least for now.
Diaz is on the verge of launching his own fight promotion, Real Fight Inc. As he told Joe Rogan inside the octagon during his post-fight interview, his plan now is to focus on promoting, but is not ready to completely walk away as a competitor. In fact, Diaz told reporters at the post-fight news conference that he has plans on returning to the UFC to compete at some point in the future.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 279.