It seems that UFC fighters past and present are less than impressed with the UFC’s decision to have unranked Nate Diaz’s last fight in the UFC be against the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev.
In fact, Dan Hardy, who is both a former UFC fighter and was also a color commentator for them too before a behind-the-scenes dispute led to him being removed from that role, has even gone as far as to say that the Diaz booking is akin to a “public execution.”
“It feels like we’re getting to the point where someone should start thinking about pressing charges,” Hardy told MMA Fighting. “It doesn’t feel like a fair fight. It feels like a very, very cruel thing to do to someone that is a legitimate legend. Because they’ve spoken out against the organization, they’re going to get executed live on TV. That’s kind of how it feels, and it makes me feel uncomfortable to think that’s the way it’s going to go down.
“I think he gets beaten up horrendously from the top position,” the former UFC title challenger said. “I think it’s going to be uncomfortable to watch, and I think it’s going to leave the UFC in a very, very bad light.
“I just hope Nate comes through it alright, because I think he’s got good opportunities outside the UFC. It’s just a shame that they’re going to do this assassination attempt on him before he leaves.”
Meanwhile, upcoming welterweight title contender Leon Edwards also thinks that the UFC are doing Diaz dirty by booking him against the No.3 ranked Chimaev, who holds a perfect 11-0 career record.
“[Diaz has] done so much for the company and I wish they gave him a veteran, a nice fight to bow out to,”Edwards told reporters at UFC London last weekend. “To give an up-and-coming guy that’s had four or five fights in the UFC, and a wrestler guy as well — I think they f***** up. They should’ve gave him a better fight. But I would love Nate to get it done. But as I said, if I’m a betting man I’d probably go with Khamzat.”
