King Green Clarifies Confused Nate Diaz Call Out After UFC Mexico Win

Veteran lightweight contender King Green clarifies the intent behind his post-fight reference of Nate Diaz at UFC Mexico.

King Green Clarifies Confused Nate Diaz Call Out After UFC Mexico Win

King Green clarifies Nate Diaz callout (via Bloody Elbow)

In Short
  • King Green clarified that his comments about Nate Diaz were meant to express respect, not a direct callout for a fight.
  • He called on UFC CEO Dana White to bring Diaz back to the promotion, highlighting their past connection.
  • Green also mentioned Michael Chandler as a potential opponent, indicating interest in a matchup given their similar career paths.

King Green has been a UFC mainstay for nearly 13 years, known for his durable style and outspoken personality. He has defeated fighters like Edson Barboza and Gilbert Melendez, showing both striking and grappling skills. After his recent win at UFC Mexico, he referenced veteran Nate Diaz. However, the 39-year-old later clarified it was not a direct callout but a statement of respect for Diaz’s legacy.

Green extended his momentum with a second‑round TKO over Daniel Zellhuber at UFC Fight Night 268 in Mexico. Before that, he ended a two‑fight losing streak with a split decision over Lance Gibson Jr. The losses included a spinning heel‑kick defeat to Mauricio Ruffy and a triangle choke from Paddy Pimblett at UFC 304. The victory over Zellhuber highlighted Green’s ability to capitalize on younger fighters.

After his win, Green was in high spirits and used his Octagon interview to call on UFC CEO Dana White to bring Nate Diaz back into the promotion. Many initially interpreted the reference as a direct callout to fight the Stockton legend. The veteran lightweight later clarified that he has great respect for Diaz. He clarified that the intention was only to hint at helping Diaz finish his career on his own terms in the UFC.

No, no, Nate Diaz is my boy. I said, bring him back. That’s like a cousin to me. When I was a young kid, Nate let me come live with him. We trained together, and he showed me so much about the UFC, so I have to bring my boy back. Bring him back and put him in here. I really don’t call people out, but if I was looking to call somebody out, I would say, Michael Chandler, at the White House, two great Americans…let’s do something like that.

King Green via UFConParamount

Green also referenced Michael Chandler, who is on a three‑fight losing streak in the UFC. Chandler had expressed interest in the UFC White House event and was chasing a bout with Conor McGregor. Dana White confirmed that the McGregor vs. Chandler matchup was not considered. This opens the way for a potential bout between Green and Chandler, given their career trajectories and American heritage.

Diaz last competed in the UFC in August 2022, earning a submission win over Tony Ferguson. Since then, he ventured into professional boxing, including a unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul in 2023. Diaz also earned a majority decision win against Jorge Masvidal, showcasing his striking. These results highlight his versatility and add context to Green’s respect for and interest in the Stockton native’s return to the UFC.

Nate Diaz has made it clear he wants to return to the UFC and has alerted Dana White that he aims to compete at the UFC White House event. He is ready for any challenge, showing full commitment to the sport. King Green’s comments tie into this momentum, highlighting respect for Diaz while hinting at potential high‑profile matchups. Their trajectories suggest new possibilities for the lightweight division.

Nate Diaz fires unprecedented shots at Ilia Topuria

Nate Diaz has been vocal about returning to the UFC as soon as possible, emphasizing his eagerness to compete. The Stockton veteran is now 40 years old and has not fought in the promotion since 2022. Since his last appearance, several younger contenders have risen. One of the most prominent is UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who became a two‑division champion in a short period.

Nate Diaz talks about his next fight
Nate Diaz talks about his next fight (via MMA Fighting)

During Diaz’s last UFC fight in 2022, Topuria was still a rising featherweight, making his name with knockout power. Topuria’s early career featured highlight‑reel finishes that caught fans’ and analysts’ attention. Recently, Diaz unexpectedly directed a social media shot at the Spaniard. The comment appeared out of nowhere and sparked speculation about Diaz’s intentions regarding the lightweight champion.

Topuria has been out of competition since his UFC 317 lightweight title win, taking time away from the Octagon. He faced a tough stretch due to legal troubles following his separation from his partner, which kept him sidelined. Recently, the Georgia native has resumed training and appears focused on returning to competition. Meanwhile, the reason behind Nate Diaz’s sudden social media callout remains a mystery.

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