Tag: Nate Diaz

MMA News Today: Fight Night Weights Show 14-Pound Difference Between Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal, Johnny Walker Told He Has ‘BJ Penn Levels Of CTE’ After Sharing Dinosaur Theory, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 9, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal Fight Day Weigh-Ins Show Drastic Difference With the California State Athletic Commission looking to cut down on excessive weight cutting in combat sports, […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Fight Night Weights Show 14-Pound Difference Between Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal, Johnny Walker Told He Has ‘BJ Penn Levels Of CTE’ After Sharing Dinosaur Theory, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 9, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Masvidal put on twice as many pounds as Diaz after making weight
  • Fans aren’t buying Walker’s dinosaur theory
  • Vakhitov says Pereira is defensively vulnerable

Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal Fight Day Weigh-Ins Show Drastic Difference

With the California State Athletic Commission looking to cut down on excessive weight cutting in combat sports, the fight nights weights for the recent Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal boxing match were released.

The most noteworthy result shows that Jorge Masvidal made a staggering near 30-pound gain between weighing in and showing up on fight night.

After hitting 175.2 pounds on Friday, he then weighed in at 204.1 pounds, which is a 16 percent increase in body weight.

Diaz, who won the fight via majority decision, gained 14.6 pounds after coming in on Saturday at 190.2, meaning that he put on half as much weight as his opponent.

Masvidal competed at both 155 and 170 pounds during his tenure in the UFC. By the time he stepped inside the ring this past weekend, he was closer to the light heavyweight mark.

Johnny Walker Receives Pushback After Posting Dinosaur Extinction Theory

It’s an understatement to call Brazil’s Johnny Walker one of the most unpredictable characters in MMA today.

He recently gathered some attention on social media after he responded to an Instagram post from MMA great Georges St-Pierre.

“GSP” shared a video about the dinosaurs and how they were made extinct and largely wiped off the face of the earth by an asteroid.

Walker, in the replies to the post, provided his own theory about how it wasn’t an asteroid that killed them off, but perhaps humans did it instead…

“Sorry champ but i am not sure about it anymore! I don’t believe that a asteroid ? extinguished the dinosaurs ? , it may be the men , take a look at some saints around the world like the flat of Russia that have a dragon and a guy that probably kill lots of it , and Brasil also have a saint , and lots of other cultures have history about some hero that killed a dragon = Dino ?! I’m just saying, history always change and the winner of some war tells his side of the truth ! We never know the actually real truth”

It didn’t take too long before fans took notice of his comment and gave their sceptical reactions to his take.

The Last Man To Defeat Alex Pereira In Kickboxing Breaks Down His Weaknesses As A Striker

Alex Pereira has been on an incredible upwards trajectory since making the switch to MMA, but what some fight fans might not know is that he suffered a defeat in his final kickboxing fight.

After losing a split decision the first time around, Artem Vakhitov got the better of “Poatan” in the rematch before Pereira made the decision to leave Glory behind to really pursue MMA.

Vakhitov, who has also been trying his hand at MMA as of late, spoke in a recent interview with MMA Fighting about where he believes Pereira is vulnerable, having been one of the few to outstrike him.

He said that the UFC light heavyweight champion’s greatest strength is also his greatest weakness,but the issue many of his MMA opponents have is that they’re not confident enough to try and exploit it.

“His biggest weakness is that he is all attack, he has no defense,” Vakhitov said. “Because of his lack of defense, he is open to taking a lot of punches to the head if he’s facing a skilled striker. You saw that in his second fight with Adesanya. He got caught because he leaves a lot of openings for people who know what they are doing.

“These other guys haven’t done well against Alex because their striking isn’t at a high enough level. They aren’t confident against him and they think he’s unbeatable, so in their heart they are already defeated before the fight starts,” Vakhitov continued. “But I have beaten him before in pure striking competition, and I am sure I’ll do it again if we can get our trilogy match in the UFC.”

Read more on the story here.

For more MMA news, check out:

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Fight Night Weights Show 14-Pound Difference Between Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal, Johnny Walker Told He Has ‘BJ Penn Levels Of CTE’ After Sharing Dinosaur Theory, & More at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier urged to book final UFC fight against Nate Diaz in return: ‘That makes some sense’

Dustin Poirier urged to book final UFC fight with Nate Diaz it makes some senseAppearing to confirm earlier this month that he will delay an expected retirement from mixed martial arts, former interim…

Dustin Poirier urged to book final UFC fight with Nate Diaz it makes some sense

Appearing to confirm earlier this month that he will delay an expected retirement from mixed martial arts, former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has been urged to welcome Nate Diaz back to the UFC for his final Octagon appearance – in a reworked grudge fight.

Poirier, who most recently headlined UFC 302 back in May, suffered defeat in his third attempt to land the undisputed lightweight crown, succumbing to a fifth round loss.

Dustin Poirier still unclear on fighting future I'm still unsure about what's next

Matching with pound-for-pound kingpin, Islam Makhachev, Lafayette veteran, Poirier was stopped in the final round after the Russian latched into a D’Arce choke submission, forcing an eventual tap.

And weighing up a long-speculated retirement from combat sports in the aftermath of his loss, Louisiana striker, Poirier has since skirted acknowledgement of his retirement – instead favoring one final walk to the Octagon. 

diaz

For Diaz, the promotional alum returned to winning ways over the course of the weekend in his sophomore professional boxing match, beating Poirier’s training partner, Jorge Masvidal in a majority decision rematch success in Anaheim.

Calling for a return to the UFC following his main event triumph, Stockton fan-favorite, Diaz welcomed the chance to rematch current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards for the title in a return to the Octagon.

Nate Diaz v Jorge Masvidal 2 1140x760 1

Jon Anik makes case for Dustin Poirier – Nate Diaz grudge fight

However, if play-by-play lead, Jon Anik gets to play matchmaker for both Poirier and Diaz in their returns to action, he would pit the duo together in a drawn-out grudge match.

“Dustin Poirier and I were talking at UFC 303 as he was there doing the television work,” Jon Anik said on the Anik & Florian Podcast. “There just aren’t many fights right now for Dustin. It seems like he has the appetite to go out on a win. Right now, Dustin Poirier’s last fight was an undisputed championship loss to Islam Makhachev.”

“Dustin has intimated that he wants to fight one more time, and on the very short list of opponents that actually make some fiscal and competitive sense is Nate Diaz,” Anik continued. “So, we’ll see if that is something that actually materializes.”

Expected to fight at UFC 230 in Madison Square Garden six years ago, Poirier and Diaz saw their alleged agreed pairing fall to the wayside, with both parties blaming each other for the bout’s failure to come to fruition. 

Would you like to see Dustin Poirier take on Nate Diaz in his UFC return?

Jon Anik Names First-Time Opponent That ‘Makes Sense’ For Nate Diaz’s Planned UFC Return

Should Nate Diaz follow through on his publicly expressed desire to make a UFC return, Jon Anik has the ideal opponent in mind for him. Diaz was back in combat sports action this past weekend for the first time in 11 months. Having fallen short in his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul last August, […]

Continue Reading Jon Anik Names First-Time Opponent That ‘Makes Sense’ For Nate Diaz’s Planned UFC Return at MMA News.

Should Nate Diaz follow through on his publicly expressed desire to make a UFC return, Jon Anik has the ideal opponent in mind for him.

Diaz was back in combat sports action this past weekend for the first time in 11 months. Having fallen short in his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul last August, the Stockton star ran it back in the ring with ex-UFC rival Jorge Masvidal.

In addition to his first triumph in the ring, Diaz was looking to avenge the setback he was given at the hands of “Gamebred” back in 2019 when Madison Square Garden hosted the inaugural BMF title fight.

On that occasion, Masvidal was rewarded for his dominance on the feet with a TKO by way of doctor’s stoppage. After Saturday’s match at Anaheim’s Honda Center, that result remains the Miami native’s most recent win.

After a competitive 10 rounds on July 6, Diaz was awarded the victory via majority decision. Masvidal was quick to call for a trilogy to take place in a neutral location, but it would appear that the Stockton native has other plans.

And in addition to a second dance with Paul, that seemingly includes unfinished business on MMA’s biggest stage…

Anik Says Diaz Has ‘A Lot Of Fight’ Left, Pitches UFC Return Opponent

During the latest episode of the Anik & Florian Podcast, the UFC’s lead play-by-play commentator reacted to Diaz’s first victory inside the boxing ring this past weekend.

Anik noted that Diaz once again highlighted a UFC return as part of his plans down the line, and he insisted that in spite of the veteran fighter’s age and stint away from MMA competition, he can never be counted out against elite opposition.

“Nate Diaz back in the UFC. I don’t know to what extent that is possible in short order, but it’s very encouraging that that is one of the first things sort of on the tip of his tongue,” Anik said. “And far be it for anyone to bet against this guy in a high-profile setting against an elite fighter. Yeah, there’s certain matchups, right? Maybe you don’t like him against Sean Brady, but there are plenty of matchups that are good for Nate Diaz. … I think he’s got a lot of fight left.”

The Boston native went on to point out one specific matchup that would make sense for Diaz’s potential Octagon comeback: a rearranged showdown with Dustin Poirier.

“Dustin Poirier and I were talking at UFC 303 as he was there doing the television work. There just aren’t that many fights right now for Dustin. It seems like he has the appetite to go out on a win,” Anik continued. “Dustin has intimated that he wants to fight one more time, and on the very short list of opponents that actually makes some fiscal and competitive sense is Nate Diaz. We’ll see if that’s something that actually materializes.”

Poirier and Diaz were set to share the cage back at UFC 230 in 2018, but “The Diamond” was forced out after sustaining a hip injury.

Interestingly, rumors of the pair giving the matchup a second attempt emerged the last time Poirier’s future appeared uncertain. In the aftermath of his title loss against Charles Oliveira in December 2021, the Louisianan pointed to Diaz as the only opponent that appealed to him at the time.

The former interim champion instead defeated Michael Chandler in his return, and after bouncing back from a defeat to Justin Gaethje last July by knocking out Benoît Saint Denis, he received his third shot at the undisputed belt.

When Islam Makhachev got the better of him at UFC 302 last month, it seemed that retirement was a real possibility. But a number of weeks on from his latest failed attempt at ticking off the final box in his career, “The Diamond” has picked up hints of another go at the kind of farewell he is after.

Continue Reading Jon Anik Names First-Time Opponent That ‘Makes Sense’ For Nate Diaz’s Planned UFC Return at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman plays down Nate Diaz’s ability after boxing win: ‘He’s not a world class fighter. Are you crazy?’

Kamaru Usman plays down Nate Diaz's ability he's not world class are you crazyFormer undisputed welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has played down the ability of former UFC star, Nate Diaz in the…

Kamaru Usman plays down Nate Diaz's ability he's not world class are you crazy

Former undisputed welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has played down the ability of former UFC star, Nate Diaz in the aftermath of his boxing win over common-foe, Jorge Masvidal over the weekend – claiming a host of 170lbs fighters would have their way with him – relatively easily.

Diaz, an alum of the UFC and a former lightweight title challenger, made his return to combat sports over the course of the weekend in Anaheim, taking on inaugural symbolic BMF champion, Masvidal in a boxing match re-run. 

Nate Diaz reacts to Conor McGregor's $1,625.000 bet win after Jorge Masvidal fight that's cool

Landing a majority decision win over Masvidal to avenge a prior doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to the Floridian veteran, Diaz has already set his sights on a return to the Octagon – eyeing a title fight rematch with current champion, Leon Edwards.

“It was just off the top of my head,” Diaz said after his win against Jorge Masvidal. “I would like to whoop (Jake Paul’s) ass. I would like to get a win against Leon Edwards, who is the best fighter in the world right now at 170 [pounds].”

kamaru usman ufc

“And I think that’s something that I can take and put in a credential box,” Diaz explained. “That’s what I’m going for. I’m not trying to go for any fun fights because that sh*t ain’t fun.”

Kamaru Usman plays down Nate Diaz’s ability after boxing win

However, a common-foe of Edwards, the above-mentioned former pound-for-pound number one, Usman has questioned the ability of Diaz when it comes to other world class fighters under the banner of UFC – something he believes the Stockton native is severely lacking.

1456450865

“He was a [world class fighter],” Kamaru Usman said on Pound 4 Pound. “And don’t get me wrong – shout out to Nate DIaz, he is still – he can still, you know, fight. But he’s not a world class fighter. Are you crazy? Throw Nate Diaz in there with Shavkat Rakhmonov. Throw Nate Diaz in there with myself. Throw Nate Diaz in there with JDM (Jack Della Maddalena. Throw Nate Diaz in there with Justin Gaethje. Come on.”

Do you agree with Kamaru Usman’s thoughts on Nate Diaz’s ability?

Jorge Masvidal Calls For Nate Diaz Trilogy In ‘Neutral’ Location After Claiming Crowd Influenced Judging In Boxing Defeat

Jorge Masvidal appeared to out-land Nate Diaz in the statistics at the conclusion of their boxing match on July 6, but it was not enough to get the win. And “Gamebred” feels the hometown advantage his opponent had played a role in that. Diaz scored the win over Masvidal by majority decision in the main […]

Continue Reading Jorge Masvidal Calls For Nate Diaz Trilogy In ‘Neutral’ Location After Claiming Crowd Influenced Judging In Boxing Defeat at MMA News.

Jorge Masvidal appeared to out-land Nate Diaz in the statistics at the conclusion of their boxing match on July 6, but it was not enough to get the win. And “Gamebred” feels the hometown advantage his opponent had played a role in that.

Diaz scored the win over Masvidal by majority decision in the main event of a card that took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

The fight proved to be an exciting one that seemingly could have gone either way. The Stockton native had a notable volume-based attack and took over the fight as the former UFC BMF champion’s energy decreased during the middle portion of the fight. In the eyes of many, Masvidal landed the cleaner, more effective, and damaging strikes.

But one judge scored the bout an even 95-95, while the other two scored the fight 97-93 and 98-92 in favor of Diaz.

“I definitely know the judges were influenced by the crowd because a lot of those shots were landing in the corner,” Masvidal said at the post-fight press conference. “I was just getting my timing. He’d throw three or four shots that wouldn’t land, and then I’d throw a good power shot. I’d see that I’d hurt him and I’d back him up or he would start goofing around. (I) hurt him to the body numerous times.”

Jorge Masvidal Feels Nate Diaz’s Hometown Advantage Led To Lopsided Scorecards Against Him

Masvidal felt he landed the better strikes in the fight, noting the number of times that he seemed to hurt Diaz. However, “Gamebred” claimed the roars of the crowd whenever his rival landed a shot proved to be his downfall and led to two judges scoring the contest in lopsided fashion for Diaz.

Masvidal feels that if a potential trilogy bout is to go down, then that fight needs to take place in a location where neither man will be a hometown hero.

“I think one or two of the judges only gave me two rounds. There’s just no way,” Masvidal insisted. “We were looking at the fight right now in the locker room, the meaningful shots, and a lot more of the meaningful shots were landed by me. I just feel that it didn’t go my way, but whatever. We’re 1-1, we can run it back some place like Vegas. Make it a neutral place and let’s f*cking throw down.

“From what I saw, I definitely hurt him more than he ever hurt me. I got way cleaner shots, especially to the body. He never even did anything to my body. I definitely hurt his body, and a couple times that I hurt him, he backed up,” Masvidal continued. “He put a lot of pressure and he was coming forward but he never hurt me. I don’t think he landed any meaningful punches. Eight rounds to two is f*cking nuts. Whatever, it’s California. I knew I had to get a knockout or some sh*t like this (would happen).”

Masvidal expressed a desire for a third fight in the ring, too, prior to the press conference. The pair exchanged heated words during that time, needing to be separated.

“Gamebred” previously scored the win in their first outing in the UFC five years ago, defeating Diaz via third-round doctor’s stoppage in the main event of UFC 244 to win the inaugural BMF championship.

Continue Reading Jorge Masvidal Calls For Nate Diaz Trilogy In ‘Neutral’ Location After Claiming Crowd Influenced Judging In Boxing Defeat at MMA News.

Nate Diaz Targets Two Other Rematches After Boxing Win Over Jorge Masvidal

Now that Nate Diaz has avenged his previous loss to Jorge Masvidal, he has other names in mind that he’d like to get wins back on. Diaz scored a majority decision win over Masvidal in the main event of a boxing card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, on July 6. This served as […]

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Targets Two Other Rematches After Boxing Win Over Jorge Masvidal at MMA News.

Now that Nate Diaz has avenged his previous loss to Jorge Masvidal, he has other names in mind that he’d like to get wins back on.

Diaz scored a majority decision win over Masvidal in the main event of a boxing card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, on July 6. This served as a rematch — albeit in another sport — five years from their first encounter at UFC 244. Masvidal won the initial fight by doctor’s stoppage, making him the first-ever BMF champion of the UFC.

Diaz scored the win in the closely contested boxing match with a volume-based attack, despite Masvidal landing the harder and arguably cleaner strikes.

Following the fight, despite Masvidal’s wishes for a trilogy bout and an exchanging of words, Diaz expressed a desire to get back in the ring with Jake Paul and to return to the UFC to face current welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

Nate Diaz Calls Out Jake Paul & Leon Edwards After Avenging Jorge Masvidal Defeat

Diaz doubled down on these thoughts at the post-fight press conference.

“Just off the top of my head, I would like to whip (Paul’s) ass,” Diaz said. “I would like to get a win against Leon Edwards, who’s the best fighter in the world right now at 170 (pounds). I think that’s something major who actually brings something that I can take and put in a credential box. That’s what I’m going for. I’m not playing for no f*cking fun fights, because that sh*t ain’t fun.”

Diaz made his professional boxing debut against Paul last year. “The Problem Child” dealt some big damage to Diaz in the opening rounds before going on to win a decision.

Paul called Diaz out on social media after the fight, claiming that the Stockton native has been ducking him despite the callout. As he noted on X/Twitter this weekend, Paul has previously offered Diaz upwards of $15 million for a rematch in the PFL MMA cage, not in the boxing ring.

In his second-to-last UFC fight, Diaz dropped a decision to Edwards at UFC 263.

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Targets Two Other Rematches After Boxing Win Over Jorge Masvidal at MMA News.