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Nate Diaz officially removed from UFC roster as veteran explores next move
Nate Diaz officially removed from UFC roster as veteran explores next move,After 15 years competing in UFC Nate Diaz has become a free agent as he looks to make money elsewhere which could include a lucrative fight against Jake Paul or Conor McGregor

Nate Diaz officially removed from UFC roster as veteran explores next move

Legend Nate Diaz has officially left the UFC after being removed from their roster and is now free to explore other fight opportunities.

The welterweight finished his 15-year UFC career with a final fight in September when he beat Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 by submission. That was the final fight of Diaz's contract and an 'exclusive negotiation series' with the fight company has now come to an end.

Zach Rosenfield, who represents Diaz, told ESPN that they will begin discussions about future fights "immediately." Now he is free to explore other opportunities it is believed that Diaz could be about to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in his first boxing bout after the two have been involved in a bitter row.

READ MORE: Nate Diaz 'slaps member of Jake Paul's team' in mass brawl and is thrown out by security

Diaz attended Paul's fight against Anderson Silva last month to support his teammate Chris Avila, who was fighting on the undercard. The Californian was kicked out of the venue after arguing with Paul's team backstage and slapping a member of his entourage.

“I want Nate Diaz, he's a b***h," said Paul in anger after the incident. "He tried to come into my locker room. He tried to cause some shit and then he always leaves the f*****g arena.

"So Nate Diaz, stop being a b***h and fight me. Nate, stop fighting people for free, let's do it in the ring."

Despite not having boxed before Diaz has been praised by former world champions Andre Ward and Regis Prograis who have sparred with the UFC legend.

Nate Diaz caused trouble when he attended Jake Paul and Anderson Silva fight last month
Nate Diaz caused trouble when he attended Jake Paul and Anderson Silva fight last month (Image: Getty Images)

Who should Nate Diaz fight now he has left the UFC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section

Diaz has also been encouraged by those within the UFC to look for fights outside the organisation.

Former interim UFC champion Justin Gaethje told ESPN: "He better not ever come back. He better go make money somewhere else. There's plenty of money to be made for Nate Diaz outside of the UFC. He can be his own boss and that's what he should do."

Nate Diaz in action during UFC 263 last year against Leon Edwards
Nate Diaz in action during UFC 263 last year against Leon Edwards (Image: Getty Images)

Another option for Diaz would be a trilogy MMA fight against Conor McGregor who is awaiting his own UFC return. The pair have unsettled business after both winning a fight each when they met twice in 2016. The American submitted McGregor in the second round of their first meeting before Notorious won the rematch.

McGregor has vowed that a big money trilogy bout 'will happen'. The Irish fighter tweeted: "Congrats Nate Diaz on making it to the end of his contractual obligations with the UFC, and as a bonafide superstar goer. An incredible feat. Fair play. Our trilogy will happen."

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