Nate Diaz shuts down retirement talk: 'The show goes on'

Nate Diaz ended his first MMA fight in nearly four years with a bloodied finish after two lopsided rounds. His corner waved off the fight against Mike Perry, resulting in a TKO loss. Despite the outcome, Diaz expressed confidence about continuing his fighting career and said he does not have a retirement deadline. He said retirement should not involve public crying or dramatic gestures in the ring, and he suggested stepping away privately. Diaz prioritized a potential rematch with Perry, saying he wants to start as soon as possible after healing. He is 41 and has struggled in recent MMA and boxing results, including losses to Jake Paul and a split with Jorge Masvidal.

"“The show goes on,” Diaz said at Saturday's post-fight press conference. “I felt the same way as when I lost when I was younger and the same as the last time. I don't have a checkout time, you know what I'm saying? That s-t's forever. “And when I do check out, I don't need to be f-ing crying about it to the f-ing media and put my gloves down in the ring. You f-ing go out into the woods and have your f-ing life then, you know what I'm saying? That's like, you've got to explain yourself why you're not fighting anymore? Do whatever the f-k you want. But as of now, I feel like I have a long road ahead of me and a lot of s-t to do.”"

"First on Diaz's agenda is a potential rematch with Perry. “Right now, yeah, let's start that ASAP, ASAP,” Diaz said. “Heal up, and I'll start running on Monday.”"

"Nate Diaz ended first MMA fight in nearly four years covered in blood. After two fairly lopsided rounds in the Most Valuable Promotions “Rousey vs. Carano” co-main event, Diaz's corner waved off the fight against Mike Perry, giving the BKFC “King of Violence” an emphatic TKO victory against a man who emerged as biggest stars of the sport over the past decade-plus."

"The 41-year-old Cesar Gracie Fight Team standout has lost three of his last four MMA appearances dating back to his BMF title defeat to Jorge Masvidal in 2019. He's also split a pair of boxing matches, losing a unanimous verdict to Jake Paul in August 2023 before taking a majority decision against Masvidal in July 2024."

Read at Sherdog