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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 05: Nate Diaz reacts to his victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in their welterweight bout during the UFC 196 event inside MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 5, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/ via Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 05: Nate Diaz reacts to his victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in their welterweight bout during the UFC 196 event inside MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 5, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/ via Getty Images)
UFC welterweight Nate Diaz seemingly might be sticking around in the UFC after all. Per Ariel Helwani, Stockton’s second son will be a part of the UFC’s fabric moving forward after the UFC moved on from a potential fight against Khamzat Chimaev.
On his Substack Page, Helwani said that a trilogy fight is likely in the works for Nate Diaz once Conor McGregor is ready to return to action next year. Nate Diaz possibly becoming a free agent and signing with another promotion was a massive storyline and Helwani has provided some much-needed clarity.
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LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 19: Nate Diaz poses on the scale during the UFC 202 weigh-in at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on August 19, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“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 (h/t MMANews). “I think they knew that would happen and were hoping to buy time for when Conor McGregor is ready to return later this year.”
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Additionally, Ariel Helwani also said that Diaz hasn’t yet put pen to paper, thus leaving room for some interesting developments.
“Diaz hasn’t signed any new deal yet, so that, too, is a fascinating story to watch next year.”
What lies ahead of Nate Diaz?
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Diaz is an intriguing figure in the MMA world as he’s often booked to fight opponents on the basis of his star power. As recently as UFC 263, Nate Diaz was moments away from reinserting himself into the title picture in the welterweight division. This comes after the fact that he’s not had to climb up the ranks in the division and fight consistent contenders.
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 05: Nate Diaz watches as teammate Chris Avila of the United States enters the Octagon before facing Enrique Barzola of Peru in their featherweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on November 5, 2016 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
More likely than not, a massive star showcase against Conor McGregor will take place in the summer of next year. Both men are in desperate need of a win and pairing them together ensures one of the UFC’s top stars maintains his cache. Not to mention, the trilogy fight will certainly put up monstrous numbers at the box office.
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Should Diaz secure a win in his trilogy fight against McGregor, it’s very possible that he could once again be placed on a title path. For a star of Nate Diaz’s stature, there’s very little holding him back from greatness.
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