A lot has been made of Nate Diaz relationship with the UFC. Diaz has antagonized UFC and White repeatedly after they opted to exercise their legal options and auto extend his contract in hopes of making that McGregor trilogy happen.
Sadly Diaz wasn’t on board and ended up pulling every trick in the book just to get released. Despite initial reports, Diaz isn’t free to negotiate with other promotions yet. UFC reportedly has the rights to pursue him exclusively for several more months. And by the looks of it, they might have a chance.
Nate Diaz had an amicable conversation with Dana White after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 earlier this month.
Diaz completed his UFC contract by submitting veteran opponent Ferguson in the fourth round of their bout in Las Vegas. The main event matchup between Diaz and Khamzat Chimaev was canceled when Chimaev failed to make the weight by 7.5 pounds.
Moments after Diaz defeated Ferguson, the two were able to put their issues aside as White entered the locker room and praised Diaz for his amazing career.
“How you doing? Are you all f***ed up,” White questioned Diaz, who had swelling in his right shin.
After praising Diaz’s Nike Travis Scott sneakers and calling them “his favorite shoe,” White congratulated him.
He said,
“Well, congrats. Good luck with everything, man. This is always your f****** house. If you need anything… whatever you need, it’s your house kid.”
Diaz shook White’s hand and recommended they “hang out” once more soon. White wished Diaz a happy time as the two parted ways. Before exiting the locker room, White shook hands with Diaz’s team including Gilbert Melendez and Jake Shields.
Even though Diaz’s contract with the UFC has expired, the exclusivity clause in his deal prevents him from engaging in negotiations with any other organizations for a period of three months. Up until September of the following year, the promotion has the power to match any offers Diaz gets from other companies.
White wished him luck and said,
“No matter what Nate does from here on out, this is his house. He’s been here forever, it’s been a blast having him here and I wish him well. Whatever he moves on to do, I wish him nothing but the best.”