Dana White justifies fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Nate Diaz at UFC 279: 'Fans want to watch'

D. White at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

After announcing the fight between Khamzat Shimaev e Nate diaz for edition no. 279, which takes place on September 10, Dana White justified the marriage of the fight. In conversation with journalists after the 'Contender Series', the UFC president cited the motivation for the latest clash in the 'bad boy', in addition to believing it to be the fight that fans want to watch in the welterweight division (up to 77kg.).

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“We did it and here we are. It's a good fight. It's a fight that fans want to watch and people will be interested. Lets do this. I worry a lot about Nate (Diaz), who came here, long before we closed the fight, asking to fight. And finishing a fight against him isn't as easy as it seems. Everyone's like, 'Well, why don't you fight already?' He asked Francis Ngannou. I could go on with him forever, but I won't. We achieved. This is the fight he wanted too,” said Dana.

The fight, in fact, should mark the farewell of Nate diaz with the gloves of Ultimate, where he has competed since 2007. Recently, the 'bad boy' even said that the organization was holding him as a 'hostage' by offering lucrative contract offers, instead of scheduling a fight. Shortly afterwards, the UFC announced that the North American will take on the 279th main fight against the sensation Khamzat Shimaev.

Diaz entered Ultimate after beating the 'The Ultimate Fighter 5' and even challenged for the title in December 2012, when he was defeated by Ben henderson. In his career, he surpassed relevant names such as Conor McGregor, Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone e Jim Miller and became known for his power to promote fights, in addition to his resistance in the octagon.

Chimaev, in turn, occupies third place in the welterweight rankings (up to 77kg.) and could get a chance at the belt, if he goes through the 'bad boy'. The Swede is undefeated in his career, with 11 fights on his record.