5 reasons why Nate Diaz would do well in the WWE
Nate Diaz had just about the best sendoff he could have hoped for from the UFC. The Stockton legend was originally scheduled to face the undefeated welterweight Khamzat Chimaev in a matchup that was widely regarded as a stylistic nightmare.
Diaz, who possesses a known vulnerability to takedowns due to his traditional boxing stance, was on the verge of clashing with one of the most relentless and physically imposing wrestlers on the entire roster.
However, good fortune prevailed and Nate Diaz instead faced Tony Ferguson. At UFC 279, Nate Diaz became only the second fighter in history to defeat 'El Cucuy' via submission after securing a guillotine choke as a counter to Ferguson's ill-advised takedown.
Not only did Diaz escape the brutal beating that fans and fellow fighters both believed he'd be dealt at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev, but the Stockton legend claimed victory at the 2:09 mark.
Since Diaz has proudly represented his hometown of Stockton throughout his entire career, frequently mentioning its 209 area code, it couldn't have been a more fitting narrative for him.
In the aftermath of his final UFC fight, many were left wondering what he would do next. A boxing match with Jake Paul looms over the horizon should 'The Problem Child' emerge victorious from his upcoming bout with Anderson Silva.
However, Nate Diaz was recently pictured alongside WWE chairwoman and CEO Stephanie McMahon and CCO Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, leading to speculation that Diaz's future may lie in sports entertainment.
While the pairing between Nate Diaz and the WWE seems uncanny at first glance, this list explores 5 reasons why the Stockton legend can fit in with the promotion.
#5. The Nate Diaz fandom
A fighter's popularity hangs by a thread more often than not. Typically, a win elevates a mixed martial artist's standing among fight fans, as was the case with Jorge Masvidal.
The surge in Masvidal's popularity came after a 5-second knockout win over former ONE and Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren. However, just as quickly as Masvidal reached superstardom, his starpower faded after a winless streak.
Nate Diaz fans when he’s getting battered in a fight but flips off his opponent while bleeding profusely https://t.co/6zp0AaLbWq
Nate Diaz, however, is an anomaly. Regardless of how many times the Stockton native loses a bout, he remains as popular as ever.
Even truly lopsided defeats have had no effect on Diaz's legacy or popularity. This is largely due to the cult following Nate Diaz has amassed over the years. His fans are as loyal as any in UFC history.
Furthermore, they lend credence to everything Diaz says. Thus, when Diaz characterizes a one-sided loss as a win, his fans justify his reasoning.
The strength of his fanbase's loyalty is such that they will undoubtedly support anything Nate Diaz does. Additionally, Diaz's two bouts with Conor McGregor introduced him to a much larger audience. something that rendered him the second biggest star in MMA.
If Diaz pursues a stint with the WWE, both his fans and MMA fans at large will certainly tune in, earning the promotion increased viewership.
Also Read: What is Nate Diaz's Current Net Worth?