The fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) were rocked by a statement from the UFC 244 headliner Nate Diaz on Friday, 25 October, after the American jiu-jitsu specialist took to Twitter to inform everyone that he will be pulling out of the event that was scheduled to take place on 3 November.
Diaz announced that he was pulling out of the event over possible doping charges, however the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is yet to comment on this.
“I only take whole foods or natural food supplements. I don’t even eat meat. So until UFC, USADA... with me fixes it I won’t be competing.”Nate Diaz
On his Twitter account, he attached a text copy of his statement.
Diaz was scheduled to headline UFC 244 opposite 5-second knockout maestro, Jorge Masvidal. UFC President Dana White had earlier announced in an interview that he would be making a special ‘BMF’ Title for the bout.
Diaz Calling Out Masvidal After UFC 241 Bout
Diaz had called Masvidal out after defeating Anthony Pettis at UFC 241, which saw his return to the Octagon following a defeat against former UFC Lightweight and Featherweight champion Conor McGregor at UFC 202 nearly three years ago.
The match between Diaz and Masvidal was slated to “one of the biggest event in the company’s history” as this was the first main event without having a real title on the line.
Twitter Abuzz After Diaz’s Withdrawal From UFC 244
Hours after Diaz’s withdrawal statement, Twitter abuzz with many expressing disappointment over the possible cancellation of the bout. Here’s how Twitter reacted:
His opponent at UFC 244, Jorge Masvidal tweeted his support for Nate. UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones also tweeted sympathising with Diaz.
Meanwhile, other UFC fighters also expressed their interest in headlining the main event which is set to take place inside Madison Square Garden in New York City on 2 November.
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