Nate Diaz hints at retirement as he turns down Jorge Masvidal rematch and says ‘peace out fight game’
UFC fighter Nate Diaz appears to have called time on his career in the Octagon - days after suffering a nasty eye injury.
After losing to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244, 34-year-old Diaz required 25 stitches above and below his eye.
And on Thursday morning Diaz strongly hinted that he was retiring via a post on Instagram.
He wrote: "F**k a rematch this s**t was over before it started.
"I’m going on out on tour.
"Peace out fight game."
Only a fortnight ago, the American vowed to never give up on MMA.
He told ESPN: "I’ll fight forever. I’m never going to retire that’s for sure.”
The New York fight with Masvidal was effectively over in the first round as the horror cuts opened up and the ringside doctor called for a stoppage after three rounds.
UFC subsequently handed Diaz a 90-day medical suspension with the doctor responsible for the decision receiving sick threats online.
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Speculation over a rematch with Masvidal was rife after both fighters initially expressed interest in going again.
Conor McGregor had also been touted for a third fight with Diaz after they shared a victory apiece in two 2016 bouts.
But now fans are having to deal with the very real prospect of UFC losing one of its biggest names at the height of his fame.