The UFC has reportedly extended Nate Diaz’s contract by "moving on" from a fight against Khamzat Chimaev.
After his June defeat to Leon Edwards, the Ultimate Fighter Season Five winner entered the last fight of his contract with the promotion.
Nate Diaz has just one fight remaining on his UFC contract
Diaz, 36, was keen to end his contract but couldn't land a fight that interested him. However, he was offered a match with Khamzat Chimaev, a welterweight prospect.
Ariel Helwani, a veteran MMA journalist, said that the promotion is no longer interested booking the fight and therefore extended Diaz's stay.
In his Substack Page, he wrote: "Sounds to the UFC that Khamzat Chimaev and Nathan Diaz are moving on. They have therefore extended Diaz's contract."
"I believe they knew that it would happen and were hoping for time to wait until Conor McGregor returns later in the year.
"Diaz has not signed any new deals yet. That's another fascinating story to follow next year."
Diaz, a former lightweight title challenger, felt disregarded when the UFC tried convincing him to fight Chimaev. He only has four fights under his belt in the UFC.
He said to TMZ, "They're coming after me with [Chimaev]" and I was like, "Hold on, don’t disrespect me like this, trying to fight me with a rookie."
"I'm cool. Four fights were won in the UFC. You can't even mention my name.
"There are many levels to this, and I don’t even want his name to be heard."
UFC chief Dana White was not surprised by Diaz's refusal to fight Chimaez in the bout. Chimaez has been hit ONCE during his four octagon appearances.
He stated, "Listen, everyone in this business, every employee in this company is here because they belong there.
"There are not any real rookies here.
"There are men with more experience than others.
"Khamzat Chimiev is one those guys who's willing to fight anyone.
"In multiple weight classes. Short notice. He is available to wrestle matches. He'll fight you if it's a match.
"That's the truth. People can spin Khamzat in any way they like -- and I'm not against them."
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