ONE FC’s CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, is no stranger to bringing former UFC stars under his banner. He has promoted fights for the likes of Eddie Alvarez and Demetrious Johnson, and is now eyeing recently free agent Nate Diaz. Sityodtong detailed what makes the prospect of signing Diaz “interesting” in a recent interview with The MMA Hour, further elaborating on his other dealings with UFC alumni.
“What makes Nate interesting, obviously, is that he wants to do multiple sports, and so that is definitely the platform of ONE. When you look at [recent ONE acquisition] Roberto [Soldic], he says he wants to win multiple world titles in all the major disciplines, and he wants to be the greatest combat sports athlete ever.
ONE FC CEO Wants To Sign Nate Diaz
You have guys like Alistair Overeem who’ve been like a K-1 superstar … so I think having all in one platform, that’s kind of Roberto’s thing.
So when I look at Nate, there’s a possibility of that is well, like in boxing and grappling, he wants to do that. So yeah, we’d be interested, but it’s not our typical path.” Sityodtong also discussed the recent departure of former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez.
“I have nothing but love and respect for Eddie. It’s just one of those things, like in every situation, you want to make it win-win, and if both sides are not winning, then what’s the point, right?
So we had our issues, he had his issues, but nothing personal or nothing upsetting. I think he wants that one more big run in his career, and he’s at that stage, and obviously, he’s a legend, and it just wasn’t happening for us, as well, so I think both sides, we weren’t completely satisfied. But again, no hard feelings, it was amicable. We just got on the phone and talked, and that was it.”
Sidyodtong also recalled the deal that earned him the UFC flyweight champion, and “the GOAT”, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
“[For the UFC] to get a retired, injured Ben Askren, who I think was two years out of the game, and he retired, for D.J., who is still in his prime today as he proved a few weeks ago on Amazon on Prime 1.
He’s the GOAT, so to have the GOAT in his prime, it’s amazing.” Do you think Nate Diaz will sign with ONE FC, or will he continue to pursue free agency? Let us know in the comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPpqcvIlrhQ
