Michael Chandler is greater than willing to welcome Nate Diaz back to the Octagon if the Stockton star re-signs.
UFC fan favorite Michael Chandler will return to the Octagon against one other star, Paddy Pimblett, within the UFC 314 co-main event next month in Miami. He returns seeking to get back within the win column after losses in 4 of his last five fights, including his most up-to-date defeat to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
Despite his up-and-down record within the UFC, Chandler stays a star-studded attraction on UFC pay-per-views. His multi-year wait for Conor McGregor to return to the Octagon ended with the Oliveira fight, although Chandler stays in pursuit of McGregor.
A win at UFC 314 wouldn’t only get Chandler back into the lightweight title mix but further solidify himself as a top pay-per-view star. If a former UFC superstar returns to the promotion this yr, Chandler wants in.
Michael Chandler open to ‘Nashville slap’ Nate Diaz after Paddy Pimblett fight
Nate Diaz has entertained the potential of returning to the UFC in 2025 amidst his current free agency. After parting ways with the UFC after a win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, Diaz fought twice within the boxing ring, including a win over former BMF foe Jorge Masvidal last yr.
But Diaz’s potential UFC return is delayed by the promotion’s apparent lack of stars, in accordance with the person himself. While Diaz desires to fight for a UFC championship, there aren’t many top names who could lure the Stockton native back to the cage.
One such name is Chandler, who entertained welcoming Diaz back to the Octagon during a recent Q+A on his social media.
After a follower on X asked about Chandler’s interest in potentially fighting Nate Diaz, Chandler answered with a blunt response.
“I’d Nashville slap Nathan,” Chandler replied.
Chandler reacted to Diaz’s initial UFC return teases by claiming the UFC is ‘the place to be’ in combat sports. It was seen as a minor swipe at Diaz’s decision to walk away from the promotion in favor of boxing fights and other ventures.
One other aspect of Diaz’s potential UFC return is McGregor. Tied up at one win apiece of their rivalry, a possible trilogy could happen if McGregor stays all in favour of an MMA comeback.
Nate Diaz’s UFC return delayed by promotion’s lack of ‘stars’
Diaz rose to UFC superstardom when he pulled off one in every of the most important upsets in the game’s history at UFC 196. He defeated McGregor by second-round submission in a days’ notice booking, handing McGregor his first UFC defeat.
McGregor defeated Diaz of their UFC 202 rematch by majority decision. Diaz then earned a decisive win over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 before back-to-back defeats to Masvidal and Leon Edwards.
If Diaz returns to the UFC Octagon, Chandler looks like a willing adversary. If the 2 cross paths outside of the cage, don’t be surprised if slaps fly.
