Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal are set to meet in a boxing rematch of their 2019 UFC fight, which Masvidal won by doctor stoppage TKO, headlining a pay-per-view on June 1 from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Diaz and Masvidal, both 39, met up in Miami, Masvidal’s hometown, to continue promoting the fight this week, and Diaz was his usual eager self, ready to get to fight night.
“If the last fight would have continued and gone to the end, this would be my city,” Diaz said. “He won the first fight, but I’m back for more. So that’s what’s popping. This is a new fight and I’m here to win.
“I expect him to do what he’s gotta do in there. He’s got a good coach and he’s doing what he’s supposed to do training, but I’ve been doing this a long time. We’ll see how it goes for him.”
Diaz, who had his pro boxing debut last August in a clear 10-round decision loss to Jake Paul, says he expects a different and tougher fight against Masvidal, who has one official pro boxing fight himself, but it came back in 2005.
“I’m preparing for a way tougher fight from Jorge than I had against Jake Paul. 100 percent,” Nate said. “Jorge is as experienced as it comes, so I’m ready for what he’s bringing. But having those rounds helped for sure.
“All I know is that we’ve been trying to make this rematch happen for a long time. He was the biggest opportunity in the game.”
Masvidal expressed the mutual respect for his opponent, but said it’s all about the fight and the competition between the two once the bell rings.
“I respect what Nate’s done in his career, but that goes away when we step in that ring. I only have one thing on my mind. I’m gonna put an end to this rivalry,” Masvidal said.
“I owe it to this city more than anything to go out with a W, and several of them. I’m in a really good place now and have to come back and get those W’s for this place right here. Do or die.
“I want to take the judges and referees and doctors out of it and leave it up to my hands and get him out of there Kimbo Slice style. Dade County style. These people here want that violence.
“It’s a badge of honor to face someone who’s willing to put it all on the line. That being said, I’m gonna end this guy on June 1.
“This BMF belt shows that if you get after it, you can get it done. It doesn’t matter who you are, you just gotta put aside the nonsense.”