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Nate Diaz appears to be teasing his next destination and it looks like it could be in Japan.
The former UFC title challenger fought out his UFC contract at UFC 279, where he submitted former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson. He won the fight in the fourth round via guillotine choke. Nate is free to negotiate with other promotions and Japanese promotion Rizin seems to be intriguing for him as he posted their logo on his Twitter account.
The timing of Diaz's post is interesting, especially considering that earlier in the day, Jake Paul announced that he was signing with the PFL. Jake announced that he will be making his MMA debut this year. Paul later issued a challenge to the Stockton native that would see the two compete in a boxing bout and then in an MMA bout at a future PFL event.
It looks like the former TUF winner might have other plans as Rizin could be one of the promotions interested in his services. The promotion recently announced another massive signing as boxing great Manny Pacquiao will be competing in a boxing bout in Rizin. It will be similar to what Floyd Mayweather had previously done.
Instead of competing against 'The Problem Child' in a boxing bout, Diaz could either pursue an exhibition boxing bout against Pacquiao or continue his MMA career in the Japanese promotion.
Could Nate Diaz join Bellator?
Nate Diaz will have no shortage of potential suitors as MMA promotions look to add the former TUF winner to their respective roster.
The former UFC title challenger is coming off a win against Tony Ferguson, so he's not joining a promotion off a long losing skid. With that in mind, it would be interesting to see if the Stockton native decides to join Bellator. The promotion is currently riding high as they are coming off their successful cross-promotional MMA event with Rizin. The event saw them complete a clean sweep by winning all 5 matchups.
Bellator President Scott Coker is no stranger to the former TUF winner as his brother, Nick, was the Strikeforce Welterweight Champion when Coker was in charge of the promotion. There are appealing matchups in Bellator and could perhaps include Nate Diaz in their upcoming lightweight Grand Prix for a shot at the $1 million grand prize.
