UFC legend Nate Diaz simply has a way with words.
Although he’s not the most articulate person, Diaz has a unique ability to go viral with his iconic one-liners and no-nonsense approach to fighting.
The 38-year-old elevated himself from fan favourite to bonified superstar when he became the first man to beat Conor McGregor inside the Octagon at UFC 196 in March 2016.
Just a few months earlier, he had delivered an epic post-fight callout of the Irishman who gave him a last-minute call when his clash with lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos fell through.
Diaz jumped at the chance to fight MMA’s biggest star and made the most of his opportunity as he weathered an early flurry from McGregor before turning the tables in round two.
The California native rocked ‘Notorious’ who panicked and went for a takedown, only to be mounted and caught in a rear-naked choke submission by the BJJ specialist.
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McGregor tapped out and UFC fans around the world let out a collective gasp.
No one saw a Diaz winning coming, except for the man himself who went viral with his five-word reaction to pulling off one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.
“Ay, I’m not surprised, motherf*****s,” he declared during a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
The popular podcaster burst into laughter as everyone inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena cheered for the long-time contender who was finally getting his flowers.
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After breaking down the fight and giving his new rival props for competing at welterweight on short notice, Diaz signed off with a defiant message.
“I’m an athlete, a warrior, we should always be ready to fight everybody on our worst day,” he said.
“There’s a new king of this s*** and it’s right here!”
Naturally, a rematch between Diaz and McGregor took place a few months later.
‘Mystic Mac’ was prepared for five rounds and managed to eke out a majority decision win after 25 minutes of back-and-forth action at UFC 202.
Seven years later, MMA fans are still clamouring for a tiebreaker trilogy bout.
Diaz will face Jake Paul in his boxing debut on Saturday night but is adamant he will one day return to the UFC and continue his legendary rivalry.
Meanwhile, McGregor has been sidelined due to injury since July 2021.
The 35-year-old is booked to face Michael Chandler but has recently expressed an interest in facing Justin Gaethje following his UFC 291 knockout win over Dustin Poirier.
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It’s likely he would skip over fights with both men if Diaz becomes an option.
Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz is live and exclusive on talkSPORT on Sunday 6 August from 4am
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