Nate diaz’s Near Knockout of Leon Edwards: A UFC Flashback

On a June night in 2021, one of the most electrifying moments of Nate Diaz‘s UFC tenure unfolded at UFC 263. While he ultimately lost the fight against Leon Edwards, the Stockton native cemented his legacy with a late-round surge that nearly ended the bout in a knockout. This near-victory underscored Diaz’s reputation for resilience and showmanship, further solidifying his status as a fan favorite.

The Setup: Diaz vs. Edwards at UFC 263

Diaz, returning to the Octagon after a two-year hiatus following a doctor’s stoppage loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244, faced a formidable challenge in Leon Edwards. Edwards,then a rising star in the welterweight division,dominated the fight for nearly five rounds with his striking prowess. Most observers believed Edwards was on his way to an easy victory.

Did You Know? Edwards went on to defeat Kamaru Usman to win the UFC Welterweight Championship in august 2022, cementing his place as one of the sport’s elite ESPN.

The Unforgettable Finale

With less than a minute remaining in the final round, Diaz landed a powerful straight left hand that visibly staggered Edwards. The crowd erupted as Diaz, in a moment of classic showboating, pointed at his dazed opponent. This image quickly became iconic, capturing Diaz’s fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude.

Edwards managed to survive the final seconds, securing a unanimous decision victory. However, the late scare left a lasting impression, proving that diaz was risky until the very end.

Pro Tip: Even in defeat, a fighter can elevate their status through memorable moments and displays of heart.

Edwards’ Perspective

Reflecting on the fight, Edwards admitted to becoming complacent. “24 minutes of schooling him,” Edwards said on the Blockparty podcast. “It was so easy I got bored whilst I was fighting him.” He acknowledged that his lapse in focus allowed Diaz to land the near-fight-ending blow.

What’s Next for Nate Diaz?

Since his fight against edwards, Diaz has only competed once more in the UFC, defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022. He then transitioned to boxing, facing Jake Paul and later avenging his loss to Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match.

Now, Diaz has expressed interest in returning to the UFC. He has named Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Ilia Topuria as potential opponents. A trilogy fight with McGregor, in particular, remains a highly anticipated prospect for fans.

Potential Matchups

Diaz has also expressed interest in the BMF title, currently held by max Holloway.He initially fought for the title against Masvidal.A clash with Ilia Topuria, the current UFC Featherweight Champion, is another intriguing possibility.

The UFC landscape is constantly evolving, and Diaz’s return promises to inject excitement and unpredictability into the welterweight and lightweight divisions.

Key Moments: Nate Diaz vs. Leon Edwards

What are your predictions for Nate Diaz’s potential UFC return? Which opponent would you most like to see him face?

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