Nate Diaz submits Tony Ferguson in final fight of UFC contract then promises to ‘take over’ boxing

NATE DIAZ has promised to "take over" boxing after choking out Tony Ferguson in his final UFC fight.

The 37-year-old secured a guillotine choke on his welterweight rival in the fourth round at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Ferguson, 38, was drafted in as a late replacement to face his American compatriot after Khamzat Chimaev missed weight by seven-and-a-half pounds.

But he was unable to inflict a defeat on Diaz in the main event at UFC 279 as he suffered his fifth consecutive loss inside the octagon.

Diaz was awarded a $50,000 [£43k] performance bonus after beating Ferguson as he stole the show in Sin City.

He left the 38-year-old a bloodied mess with brutal punches, before going for the takedown in the fourth round, where he was able to score a submission.

Ferguson's shin was also heavily bleeding after being on the end of an early leg kick in the first round.

Speaking after his victory which has brought an end to a 15-year career with Dana White's company, Diaz said: "All I know is it's been a love-hate relationship with me and the UFC.

"I did it today. I love the UFC. Shout out to [UFC President] Dana White. I feel like I've had the longest career in the UFC and the most successful one.

"I want to get out of the UFC for a little bit and show all these UFC fighters how to takeover and own up another sport how you're supposed to do it.

"Because Conor McGregor didn't know how to do it and none of these other fighters know how to do it.

"So I'm gonna go out there and take over another profession and become the best at that. Show everyone I'm the best at that.

"Boxing, kickboxing, ju-jitsu, other MMA organisations... If you think you're the top, creme de la creme right here, baby. I'm coming for you."

Elsewhere on the card, Chimaev defeated Kevin Holland in their catchweight bout via submission in the first round.

Meanwhile Daniel Rodriguez beat Li Jingliang via a split decision.