UFC News: Dana White Forces Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal to Move to Change Dates and Venue Due to Clash With UFC 302

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal’s boxing match has been moved to a new date! The two men have a history together that goes back to their first meeting inside the Octagon at UFC 244  in 2019 for the inaugural BMF title. The bout ended in an anti-climactic TKO win for Masvidal via doctor stoppage and with their upcoming clash inside the squared circle, both men were looking to settle the score definitively.

However, it was recently reported that the showdown has now received a new date and according to sources online, it may be due to UFC CEO Dana White’s decision to set up UFC 302 on June 1st. Here’s a look at what we know about the current situation and the new date for Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal!

Dana White’s UFC 302 date causes Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal to pivot their plans

Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal’s clash was originally set to take place on June 1 and would mark the Stockton native’s second boxing match since his free agency began in 2022. He entered the sport of boxing with a fight against social media star turned boxer, Jake Paul in 2023, but unfortunately, was unable to secure a win as Paul defeated Diaz via a unanimous decision.

In March 2024, it was announced that Diaz would be taking on a second boxing match against ‘Gamebred’ in a 10-round bout. However, the date has now been shifted and will be taking place on July 6 instead.

Originally, reported by Lance Pugmire, Ariel Helwani responded to the news by making a post on X that stated, “The Nathan Diaz x Jorge Masvidal boxing match is moving from June 1 to July 6, per sources. It’s also being moved from Inglewood’s Forum to the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Number of reasons for the move, I’m told. A major one? Not to conflict with UFC 302, which is also scheduled for June 1. First reported by @pugboxing.”

Luke Thomas, another prominent voice in the combat sports world responded by stating online, “Seems wise to move it and not go head-to-head with UFC 302.” As the anticipation builds, the new date also highlights the fact that the UFC’s popularity under Dana White is such that many smaller events cannot hope to compete by airing on the same date as a major UFC PPV. And it’s considered a foregone conclusion that many fans might be more interested in watching Dustin Poirier take on Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title on June 1 and this would have resulted in fewer eyes on Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal’s ‘BMF rematch’.

Nevertheless, there has also been an interesting offer made to both Diaz and Masvidal to return to MMA!

‘The Problem Child’ offers massive pay-day in a challenge to Diaz and Masvidal

Jake Paul is eyeing potential fights with former UFC stars Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz in MMA! Speaking on an episode of his ‘BS’ podcast, Paul stated, “I’m being so serious when I say that I want to fight them in MMA. Either Masvidal or Diaz in the PFL. Ten million dollar offer for either one of those guys.”

However, with his upcoming fight against Mike Tyson on July 20, Paul is focused on the task at hand but has indicated that he is still ready to pursue an MMA fight against either of the two former UFC fighters. Paul further stated, “Obviously, I have Mike, but we’ll just do it after that, “and that he’d require at least 6 months to get a full MMA-focused training camp under his belt!

With Paul eyeing potential matchups in the MMA arena, the landscape of combat sports continues to evolve, promising fans an array of thrilling possibilities beyond the realm of boxing. Do you think Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal will take on Jake Paul’s challenge for an MMA bout? And what do you make of the change in date for their boxing match? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!