Nate Diaz doesn’t see any place in the all-time great discussion for Jon Jones.
The UFC’s former light heavyweight dominator has arguably been his own worst enemy throughout his illustrious career. In the cage, Jones’ only blemish on an otherwise perfect 26-1 (1 no contest) record came as a result of him illegally elbowing his opponent, Matt Hamill, in his fourth UFC appearance. He was followed by a lot of issues later on.
Jones’ legal troubles are well documented, whether it be a history of DUIs or the infamous hit-and-run incident that led to him being stripped of his UFC title in 2015. Along with the party-like antics, “Bones” has been linked to multiple occasions involving performance-enhancing drugs which also led to a title reversal in 2017.
As someone who has been in the fight scene for more than 20 years, Diaz has not been afraid to criticize the status quo.
“The OGs … Anderson [Silva], ‘GSP’ (Georges St-Pierre), Fedor [Emelianenko] … Who? Jon [Jones]? Out of the question,” Diaz told ESPN regarding the greatest of all time discussion. “I don’t care. Silva, too. Silva, too.
” If you are doing it loudly, it’s different. All of them were experimenting with steroids and then they stomped on everyone’s sex. You know what it’s like? I will fight [expletive] with steroids. I don’t give a f***. But if you’re doing it [and hiding it], like let’s just all talk about it. You do steroids, I’ll smoke weed then let’s get in there and squab. I’m not f ***.”
Despite the many issues surrounding Jones over recent years, Jones managed to remain roughly as active than Diaz. However, that changed in 2020 when he voluntarily vacated the UFC light heavyweight strap with continued hopes of eventually debuting in the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Diaz last fought as recently as UFC 263 in June 2021 and has his next bout rapidly approaching.
UFC 279 this weekend will mark the end of Diaz’s run in the promotion as he finishes out the last fight on his contract. Standing in the Stockton, California native’s way will be surging undefeated superstar Khamzat Chimaev. After all this time, Diaz still believes he belongs in these conversations with those breathing rarified air and has another chance to try and prove it.
“But you sneak steroids in and you’re considered? Diaz stated that it was out of the question. This is the end of that whole legacy. All these guys you consider the GOATs, if you guys are all the GOATs … Because I am aware that I share the same fate as a large portion of other people in this world, I don’t care what you think. The UFC does it by numbers. You’re not even involved, it’s like yeah, right. [Look at] my 15 years.”
TOP STORIES
Results. DWCS Season 6, Week 7: Vitor Petrino punctuates 4-contract night with highlight-reel knockout
Nope. Nate Diaz still ‘don’t want’ Khamzat Chimaev fight before UFC 279: ‘They’re acting like I called for this’
Promoter. Jake Paul uses old footage of ‘Conor McGregor’s dad’ Dana White to promote Anderson Silva fight
Rough. Zuluzinho ‘shocked’ by standup rule that led to brutal knockout, still plans to fight in late-September
Support. Dan Hooker rejects Israel Adesanya’s criticism: “It’s just stupid.” This is not the way that sport operates ‘
Ending. Alessio di Chirico retires from MMA following stoppage loss at UFC Paris
VIDEO STEW
MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin talks to Nick Young.
MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck chats with Tai Emery.
Dana White’s Contender Series Season 6, Week 7 post-fight presser.
Embedded 2.
279 Preview.
Full Contender Series Season 6, Week 7 post-fight presser.
Aftermath of Edwards vs. Machida.
Borz’s road to Vegas.
Secret’s out.
LISTEN UP
Fighter vs. Writer. MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin talks to Nick Young and Kevin Holland.
Heck of a Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck discusses if Nate Diaz will ever fight for the UFC again after UFC 279 bout with Khamzat Chimaev.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Shot caller.
I want to fight you Paddy! I think you had a great start in UFC and now it’s time to move up a level. What do you think about challenging for a top 10 spot? Do you feel ready to make a major move?
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) September 6, 2022
Gotta work the neck.
Cody Garbrandt has reached his ultimate form pic.twitter.com/mY1B4WdrHM
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) September 6, 2022
Practice.
Perfect practice makes perfect #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/ZzFA13N1h7
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) September 6, 2022
Fair.
If JP beats Anderson then y’all dipshits better apologize to me.
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 6, 2022
Livin’ it up.
Tai is living his best life at Disneyland Paris
(via @bambamtuivasa @tyson_pedro_) pic.twitter.com/1DlZCavFnK
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 6, 2022
To the limit.
3 weeks from @criscyborg first professional boxing fight and she is doing all the work! @AssaultAirBike
New Vlog has dropped
https://t.co/zRW1ebpQff pic.twitter.com/cV2Ve4O3Js— CrisCyborg.com Boxing Sept 25th (@criscyborg) September 6, 2022
Never a dull moment.
Waddup @ufc I’m here in Las Vegas check me in please thanks
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) September 6, 2022
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Denise Gomes (6-1) vs. Loma Lookboonme (6-3); UFC Vegas 60, Sept. 17
Reinier de Ridder (16-0) vs. Shamil Abdulaev (13-1); ONE on Prime Video 3, Oct. 21
John Lineker (35-9) vs. Fabricio Andrade (8-2); ONE on Prime Video 3, Oct. 21
FINAL THOUGHTS
Nate is quite impressive in his ability to present an argument during these type of talks. I will say I can’t disagree with him on the Jones notion though. If you are going to include fighters who have asterisks beside their names, you need to make at least two lists: one which includes them and one which doesn’t.
Happy Hump Day! Thanks for reading.
EXIT POLL
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