Nate Diaz to launch his own fight promotion as UFC career comes to an end

Diaz’s last fight on his UFC contract sees him face rising star Khamzat Chimaev this Saturday

Alex Pattle
Combat Sports Correspondent
Monday 05 September 2022 09:12 BST
Comments
Nate Diaz on Jimmy Kimmel

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Six days before the last bout on his UFC contract, fan favourite Nate Diaz announced that he is launching his own fight promotion.

Diaz is scheduled to face rising welterweight star Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 279 this Saturday (10 September), in what marks the final contest on the American’s UFC deal.

And last Sunday (4 September), Diaz revealed plans to launch an MMA, boxing and jiu-jitsu promotion.

In an Inside Fighting article that was retweeted by Diaz, it was reported that the promotion will be called Real Fight Inc and feature combatants from all over the world.

It is as yet unknown when Real Fight Inc’s first card will take place, but Inside Fighting reported that the promotion “will draw from Nate’s reputation for ‘being real’ — no cheesy, farcical matchups.

“The promotion will feature real fights with real fighters who are serious, talented and motivated to become champions. Plus, Nate will personally sign off on all of the fighters who join the promotion to make sure they all fit the brand.”

Although Diaz’s UFC contract will expire following his clash with Chimaev in Las Vegas, the 37-year-old could still compete in other promotions.

Diaz last fought in June 2021, suffering a decision defeat by Leon Edwards, who went on to win the UFC welterweight title last month.

Unbeaten UFC welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev
Unbeaten UFC welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Chimaev last competed in April, winning a brutal bout with former title challenger Gilbert Burns on points, as the Russian-born Swede was made to look human for the first time in his professional mixed martial arts career.

Chimaev, 28, is 11-0 as a pro and won his first 10 fights via stoppage – all in the first or second round. He remarkably absorbed just one significant strike across his first four UFC bouts.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in