A former UFC icon, once a cornerstone of the promotion’s golden era, has unleashed a scathing critique of the current roster, calling today’s fighters “boring” and devoid of excitement. Known for his brash persona and historic wins—including a legendary victory over Conor McGregor—this fighter has never hesitated to speak his mind.
Now, in a candid interview, he’s taken aim at the UFC’s lack of star power and buzz, arguing that the promotion has lost its edge. But who is this outspoken critic, and why does he believe MMA’s biggest stage is now “wack”?
Nate Diaz’s Blunt Take
Nate Diaz, the Stockton maverick who submitted Conor McGregor in 2016, isn’t just sitting on the sidelines—he’s roasting the sport he helped define. In a no-filter chat with Full Violence, Diaz ripped into the UFC’s current state, bluntly declaring:
“Right now, there’s nobody doing s** in the UFC.”*
The 39-year-old, who left the promotion in 2022 after a submission win over Tony Ferguson, didn’t hold back.
“Everybody’s boring right now,” he said, puffing between sentences. “I’m trying to do other s** for the moment. But I want to go back and get a UFC title. I don’t want to fight for nothing… It’s about buzz and who’s poppin’.”
Diaz’s frustration centers on what he sees as a lack of compelling rivalries or standout stars. When asked about potential opponents, he name-dropped marquee names like Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya but dismissed the idea of returning without a title shot.
“Who’s the champion right now? That’s what I’m saying… There’s nobody to fight, everybody is wack.”
His critique extends beyond the UFC. “Every single body in boxing and MMA,” Diaz scoffed, doubling down on his disdain for the combat sports landscape. “I’m watching. I’m hoping for something… There’s no buzz.”
For Diaz, it’s personal. The welterweight division—where he once clashed with legends like McGregor and Jorge Masvidal—now feels stagnant. While current champ Leon Edwards reigns, Diaz hasn’t expressed interest in that matchup, further fueling his belief that the UFC lacks “something” worth fighting for.
Fans are torn. Some applaud Diaz’s honesty, echoing his sentiment that today’s roster lacks the charisma of past eras. Others argue that rising stars like Shavkat Rakhmonov or Ian Machado Garry deserve recognition. Yet Diaz’s words strike a chord: in an age of calculated social media personas, his raw authenticity remains unmatched.
Whether the UFC heeds his call for “buzz” remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: Nate Diaz won’t return to the Octagon unless it’s for a legacy-defining moment. Until then, he’ll keep smoking, sparring, and slinging truth bombs.