Jon Jones and Nate Diaz Make Worrying Confession on Current Generation of UFC

UFC veterans Nate Diaz and Jon Jones discuss the current state of UFC and the rise of a new generation of fighters.

Jon Jones and Nate Diaz Make Worrying Confession on Current Generation of UFC

Nate Diaz and Jon Jones don't know much about the new generation of fighters (via Imago/X)

UFC is currently transitioning into a new era, with hungry young fighters emerging weekly and reshaping the entire competitive landscape. Most legendary veterans who dominated the past decade have either retired gracefully or are completing their final runs in the octagon now. Jon Jones and Nate Diaz belong to that same decorated generation, having witnessed and experienced the sport’s evolution firsthand.

While Diaz officially exited the UFC in 2023, Jones now appears to be nearing a similar career conclusion himself. Recently, both veterans were seen together in Thailand, filming a Russian reality television show that brought them into the spotlight. During their meeting, Jones admitted to no longer watching the UFC events regularly.

I don’t lose sleep over who wins and who loses. I barely watch the UFC, unless it’s my weight class. A lot of people that we don’t know.

Diaz agreed with Jones’ remarks, emphasizing how most fighters from their shared generation have now retired or faded from relevance completely. While discussing today’s new wave of talent, Diaz specifically brought up Islam Makhachev, the current pound-for-pound number one.

Both fighters agreed that Makhachev has done great things, but he must accomplish far more to be considered among the all-time greats. A welterweight title victory and a title defense could put Makhachev in that category.

As Diaz mentioned, most fighters from their generation have already gone, leaving behind a legacy which is tough to carry forward. Tony Ferguson and Jose Aldo recently retired, both having delivered countless memorable fights throughout their storied careers inside the UFC octagon. Conor McGregor is staying out of fighting, with fans and experts unsure whether he’ll ever make a serious comeback again.

Fighters like Donald Cerrone and Jorge Masvidal have also left the promotion, stepping away from the spotlight after long, respected runs. While Jones mentioned that he’s not staying updated about UFC fighters, he is definitely aware of the criticism around him. Recently, over 100K MMA fans have filed a public petition to get Jones stripped of his championship title.

Nate Diaz shares details about his recent brawl in Thailand

Following his exit from UFC, Nate Diaz tried his luck in boxing, only to lose to Jake Paul in his debut bout. However, the Stockton fighter managed to bounce back and beat his former rival, Jorge Masvidal, in an entertaining boxing bout. Throughout this, Diaz has not lost his gangster personality and has often been involved in serious and violent brawls.

Nate Diaz reveals his recent brawl in Thailand
Nate Diaz reveals his recent brawl in Thailand (via X)

Diaz has faced legal troubles for choking a Logan Paul lookalike and losing a Russian TV role after a violent brawl. Organizers, according to Jones, had to replace Diaz due to the public disturbance caused by the unexpected altercation in public. Diaz later addressed the situation in detail through a new YouTube video, explaining his side without holding anything back.

We’re out here in Phuket, Thailand. We came out here to film a reality show with Jon Jones. I was looking forward to hanging out with Jones, the team, and everybody. It didn’t work out because we had to hop. We ain’t f**k with any of those Russians. They ain’t f**king with me, that’s what it is.

Recently, Diaz made headlines for revealing his intentions to fight Conor McGregor again and finally finish their epic trilogy clash. He also mentioned fighting Max Holloway or Ilia Topuria if the UFC offers him the right opportunity to make it happen. Diaz went viral claiming he’d dominate Belal Muhammad, but fans heavily trolled him online for making such a bold statement.

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