Nate Diaz tells Dana White to avoid ‘two nerds’ when selecting UFC stars for new tournament
Nate Diaz has told Dana White who he believes should be competing in a potential new UFC tournament.
This follows Dustin Poirier’s suggestion of a four-man tournament to compete for the BMF title.
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Diaz inspired White to introduce the BMF belt after he called out Jorge Masvial in a passionate speech at UFC 241 to determine the 'baddest m*****f*****'.
The 39-year-old is renowned for going through wars in his UFC fights, which often leave him blooded-up, meaning White had no issues with introducing the belt.
Current BMF holder Max Holloway challenges Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title at UFC 308 on October 26.
He knocked out Justin Gaethje with one second left on the clock in their five-round brawl at UFC 300 to be crowned the BMF champion.
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Masvidal was crowned the inaugural BMF holder after he beat down Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019.
‘Gamebred’ never defended the belt and retired from the UFC following four successive losses after his fight with Diaz.
This caused UFC President White to put the belt back on the line between Poirier and Gaethje, two of the toughest fighters in the sport, at UFC 291.
Fans were treated to a spectacle in Salt Lake City, Utah, as Gaethje delivered a devastating head kick that knocked out ‘The Diamond’ after two rounds.
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Subsequently, Gaethje fought Holloway at UFC 300 and dropped the belt in one of the fights of the year.
“Sounds fun,” White , regarding the proposal from Poirier about a four-man BMF tournament. “[I’ve] never thought about it but yeah I love it.”
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As ‘The Diamond’ edges closer to his retirement fight, he called for a four-man tournament to decide the ultimate BMF.
When asked about the potential participants, Poirier Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker and Max Holloway as worthy opponents, saying it would be a ‘bloodbath’.
Hooker responded to Poirier’s suggestion , saying: “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
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But Diaz didn’t quite agree with ‘The Diamond’ on who should be competing for the belt he once introduced.
Tagging White on his Instagram story, Diaz wrote: “Dan [Hooker] and Max [Holloway] are eligible for my belt but get the other two nerds out of there they don’t fit the description.”
This caused quite a mixed reaction in the MMA community, as many fans were quick to point out that Diaz never actually won the belt.
One said: “WTF is he talking about? All four of those dudes are total BMF’s. Even more than Nate if you wanna be honest.”
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While another added: “He quit against Masvidal, not ‘his belt’.”
A third responded: “Dustin has done more in the UFC lightweight division than Nate ever has or ever will. Both Justin and Dustin would hand Nate a loss. Badly.”
The UFC hasn’t put on a one-night tournament since their 23rd event back in 1999, but if White were to put this on, there’s no doubt it would be an all-out war.
Holloway may not even be eligible for the tournament should he be victorious on October 26.
UFC 308 sees Topuria defend his featherweight title for the first time against Holloway at the Etihad Arena, UAE.
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Both men have been going back and forth online, with the champion promising he will be the first man to KO Holloway in the UFC.
The UFC hasn’t put on a one-night tournament since their 23rd event back in 1999, but if White were to put this on, there’s no doubt it would be an all-out war.
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