‘Smoking’ Nate Diaz sees ‘nobody exciting’ in the UFC and disses champion Belal Muhammad

Ex-UFC standout, boxer, and now free agent Nate Diaz wants another run at undisputed gold. The former UFC 155-pound title challenger, who also fought at welterweight, wants back in. However, to his point, Diaz does not see the current guard at 170 pounds as any good. That would be current titleholder Belal Muhammad.

After calling the UFC stomping grounds his home for 15 years, the Stockton pride called it quits. This was after a submission win over ex-UFC fighter Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in 2022. Very few can come near to the legacy of the Team Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu fighter. Yet, now, Diaz has his sights set on a return to the UFC because he doesn’t see his legacy as complete. Belal Muhammad catches a stray for it.

After going into free agency, Nate Diaz laced up the leather for the squared ring. The Stockton cruiser went at it but dropped a decision loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in August 2023. Then, the pioneer gangster boxed old UFC rival Jorge Masvidal. Right now, Diaz is more interested in an MMA return.

🏆👀Nate Diaz plans to return to the UFC:

"I want to go back and get a UFC title… But right now, there’s nobody entertaining."

🎥 @Full_Violence ▫️ pic.twitter.com/K7vTCUfdxC

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 15, 2025

If UFC and Diaz agree to formalize his return, the contender has said he wants to stay at welterweight. However, he smacks “Remember the Name” for it, saying the 170-pound class is void of talents. Belal Muhammad, often catching flak for decision victories, has yet to make his maiden defense.

He returns at the UFC 315 PPV (pay-per-view) event, May 10, 2025, at Bell Centre in Montreal. Muhammad won the gold at the UFC 304 PPV main event last July. Diaz fought at welterweight from 2010–2011 and then again from 2016 onwards.

Nate Diaz wants his legacy to matter but is finding it hard to scout big names to fight

Despite never winning UFC gold, most believe he’s done enough to cement his legacy. Nate Diaz’s feeling is that he’s been a unique star in comparison to some of the other top names in combat sports. He has especially lauded and sometimes touted challenges to Leon Edwards and has remained neglectful of Belal Muhammad, who spiked and outclassed him for a win.

Diaz has been a fan-favorite brash entity ever since his “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 5 reality series days. The Diaz Brothers, with their unique persona and fight style/extensive cardio, have had a literal cult following. Added to that, he is also quite the name.

Diaz, going on 40 next month, would surely be welcome at UFC grounds with open arms. His high-profile scrapper against Conor McGregor and the inaugural “BMF” title fight vs. Jorge Masvidal live on for ages. Even recently, he rematched ‘Gamebred’ en route to a 10-round majority decision for Fanmio.

He now thinks the current UFC roster, especially the 170-pound listing, is lacking in transcendent PPV draws and star power. Diaz wants to complete his legacy and change that.

Despite the brashness and urge to wield sharp pressers, the fighter has failed to make a pro-boxing impact. The bona fide star lost to Paul on scores of 98-91, 98-91, and 97-92. Paul offered a gimmicky rematch but then slated it under the PFL banner.

Ex-UFC star Diaz refused and wants to get back to MMA/UFC. He is super-popular in MMA grounds and was even recently seen cornering Kron Gracie against Bryce Mitchell at UFC 310 PPV. It remains to be seen if the Stockton star will ever return to the UFC.

Related: “Impulse control of a child” – Nate Diaz goes viral AGAIN for fighting bouncer at club; fans react

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