Scott Coker’s new Ki MMA promotion had his grand opening event On Monday night, several legendary fighters showed up to support their old promotional partner in his new endeavor. Fedor Emelianenko was there, as well as Cris Cyborg and Randy Couture.
Although Nate Diaz never competed for Coker, he also appeared at the event, leading some to speculate that the younger Diaz brother could compete under the Ki MMA banner.
“100%, especially when it comes to the ring,” Nate said when asked if he would fight for Ki MMA ( video via MMA Fighting). “I just think it’s different and I like it, you know? I like being able to fight in the ring or the cage. The ring is different.”
“People don’t even know that you can cut people off in the corners of the ring, which you can’t do (in the cage). They’ll run around you. And there’s ways to use the ring to your advantage and disadvantage. Like, I’m going to take down a damn D-1 f–kin top wrestler in that b–ch, easy.”
While Diaz clearly liked the idea of fighting in the ring, he didn’t have any names he wanted to fight. He wrote off Dillon Danis as someone who deserved to be punched in the bathroom, not as a legitimate opponent. When asked about a rematch with Mike Perry (who Diaz lost at MVP MMA 1 in March), Diaz shrugged.
“Well, our times are just on different tracks right now and different things can happen,” Diaz said. “And I’m keeping my ears open to see what people missed from what’s popping up right now, because I wanted to get right in and give her ass a quick shout. But yeah, I think things changed a little bit, but we’ll see what happens over time. I’ll kick her ass at some point.”
Diaz has only fought three times since leaving the UFC in 2022: MMA loss to Mike Perry, a boxing loss to Jake Paul and a boxing win over Jorge Masvidal, where the promoter did not pay Diaz the millions in promised purse. Nate has spoken about returning to the UFC and being out of the organization as a freelance hitman. During his unofficial Ki MMA press release, there were only a few details.
“Yeah, I’m just trying to come up,” he said. “Look, nobody’s that impressive right now. There’s definitely some impressive people out there, but none impressive at the moment. But I’m with it, I’ll say January minimum. Before the halfway point of (next) year, I’d like to fight. Next year.”
“I’m trying to be active, like at least three fights next year. At least two fights next year. But I’m trying to do some things. I’m trying to whip some mother–king’s ass.”
Diaz touched Conor McGregor’s knee injury saying, “I feel sorry for him. I hope he does good and positive emotions to come back.”
As for Jake Paul? “Yeah. I’m going to fight him too. I hope they change the name, I don’t want to fight in something called PFL. It has to be MVP MMA though.”
Diaz saved his harshest criticism for Ilia Topuria.
“Ilia is lame as f–k,” Nate declared. “Why? He’s lame as hell. He’s a punching bag. He called me a punching bag. He’s a punching bag. He got ass. And they made a big deal out of him like they did with Conor when he was coming (yup). Well, you get a little early momentum before you’re in a real fight… He’s got a real fight now.”
It’s classic Nate Diaz, the kind of tough talk that keeps him popular despite going 2-4 in his last six. If he wants to be busy, it’s now or never. He’s 41 years old and there will never be more promotions worth paying him outside of the UFC.