Nate Diaz Reveals Real Reason Behind His Tribute to Mike Tyson During Jorge Masvidal Fight

Former UFC icon Nate Diaz finally settled scores with Jorge Masvidal this past weekend. The latter had defeated Diaz in the octagon almost five years ago. It was Diaz’s moment to exact revenge, which he duly accomplished by winning the boxing match between the two via a unanimous decision. Interestingly, fans were equally astounded by his walkout appearance as they had been by his performance inside the ring. But this was no typical walkout. The ‘Stockton Slugger’ paid tribute to boxing legend Mike Tyson by dressing like Tyson did during one of his bout many years ago.

You may be wondering why Diaz, in his boxing match with Masvidal, came out dressed as Tyson. Although fans have been speculating the reason, the man himself has revealed what got him to come out like ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet’. Diaz made an intimidating entry on the song Gangsta Nation by Westside Connection and Nate Dogg while paying tribute to Mike Tyson.

In addition to the meticulously selected music, Diaz wore a black skullcap and a black t-shirt that read, “Be real.” During the post-fight press conference, Diaz was asked about him mirroring Tyson’s look. The 39-year-old fighter replied, “That’s what this whole sh*t is all about. Come in here and whoop a**. And if you got the fu**ing lights and cameras on you, you tell me what’s real. When I saw Mike Tyson walk out like that, that’s it. That’s what this whole sh*t is about.”

Just like Nate Diaz, millions of boxing fans were astounded to see Tyson emerge with such a menacing aura and appearance during his January 1999 bout against Francois Botha. It happened right after he was disqualified from his controversial rematch fight against Evander Holyfield. His ring walk is still regarded as one of the most legendary walkouts in the history of boxing.

Circling back to Nate Diaz, although he has retired from the UFC, the 39-year-old has bigger and better plans for the future. Following his victory against Gamebred, he called out two prominent names for a potential fight. See who he wants to go against next.

Nate Diaz on a vengeance spree

Masvidal defeated Diaz in the UFC 244 fight back in 2019. With the most recent win, though, Diaz has earned his retribution. He has, nevertheless, called out two of his previous rivals who have defeated him in the past. Well, the two names are Jake Paul and UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

After being declared the winner, Diaz stated, “I’m gonna beat Jake Paul’s f**ing a**. And I’m down to fight the highest-ranked boxer I can find. Get em on a high level so people know who the f**k he is. My main objective has always been to be the best fighter in the world, so I wanna go back and get the UFC title. Leon Edwards, Jake Paul, and anybody the f**k else, you’re dead.” 

Nate Diaz had lost to Edwards during the UFC 263 in 2021. Furthermore, ‘The Problem Child’ defeated Diaz in his boxing debut in August last year. If Paul and Edwards accept the challenge, it would definitely be a thrilling showdown for fans. Meanwhile, what do you think about Diaz’s Mike Tyson tribute? Put down your thoughts in the comments below.