Nate Diaz’s reason for accepting and then rejecting Tony Ferguson fight is peak Nate Diaz

With Conor McGregor on an extended hiatus, the UFC lightweight division needs an interim champion.

The UFC 209 bout between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov to establish that interim strap holder went south after 'The Eagle' was hospitalised during his weight cut. Following that disappointment, Ferguson became proactive and called out Nate Diaz, who has not entered the Octagon since losing to McGregor at UFC 202.

"I’m just throwing a name out there, but I think Nate Diaz and myself could actually put on a good show. I think his ranking is kind of bullshit too, but I don’t really see anybody else," said El Cucuy. "I want to fight for the title. I want a fair fight, I want to go in there and kick this dude’s ass no matter who’s signed to the dotted line, and fucking move on. And kick Conor’s ass. I don’t know what he’s up to, but let's just go.”

On a special episode of the MMA Hour, Diaz Wednesday revealed he had been offered a bout with Ferguson at UFC 213 in Las Vegas in July. https://twitter.com/SportsJOE_UK/status/860037255943028736 Diaz told host Ariel Helwani that he initially accepted the UFC's offer before changing his mind. It seems Diaz is not content scrapping for an interim belt while McGregor is off potentially earning millions fighting Floyd Mayweather Junior.

"And I gladly accepted it, and then it was gladly rejected because of circumstances. Sure, I will fight him, but under these circumstances, you know what I’m saying?" said Diaz, seemingly unhappy with an interim title. "Then I was ignored and the rumours went on. So I said, ‘why are the rumours still going if it’s not popping?’ And then I thought about it: 'Why am I going to do Conor McGregor’s fucking work for him? No, fight each other motherfucker and then you get a shot at the golden child right here motherfucker.' "What are you going to do? You’re going to take time off to make $1 million to fight Mayweather and I’m going to do your dirty work for you?”

We hope Diaz reneges on his year of rest because the UFC needs the Stockton native.