Nate Diaz ‘Training to Fight’ at UFC 230; Still Wants 165-Pound Division Created

After Dana White shot down the notion of a 165-pound title fight between Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier at UFC 230, there was some concern that the announced bout would fall apart completely.

After all, Diaz hasn’t fought since August 2016, and his social media seemed to suggest that he wouldn’t mind staying on the sidelines if the parameters of the bout didn’t suit him. In an interview with TMZ Sports, Diaz said he’s still preparing to compete on Nov. 3, but he also hinted that he wants the contest to be at 165 pounds, whether it’s Poirier or another opponent.

“The ball’s in their court. We’ll see. I’m training to fight,” Diaz said.

“They don’t want Dustin Poirier to fight at [165]. I’m like what the f—k? Who do you guys want? Whoever wants it come get it. If they’re trying to have me headline Madison Square Garden — they don’t got nobody else. They don’t want Dustin to fight.”

It’s not exactly clear what Diaz means when he suggests that the UFC doesn’t want Poirier to fight. The bout was announced several weeks ago and remains listed on the UFC 230 event page on the promotion’s website. Additionally, Poirier seemed to be on board with the idea of a 165-pound title fight, so it doesn’t seem like he’d withdraw from the bout.

Of course, Diaz doesn’t always provide the most clarity in his interviews.

“I’m starting a new weight class because I heard they already wanted to do it anyway, so let’s get it popping,” Diaz said. “Anybody who wants it at 165, we can do it. I’m training to fight. They’re trying to act like I’m not trying to fight. I’m like, Let’s do this s—t. So all comers bring it on.”

At least one thing is clear: Diaz is ready to fight at UFC 230.

“Nov. 3 I’m coming to fight, so whoever want it can get it,” he said.

UFC 230 takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York on Nov. 3. A headliner has not yet been announced for the card.