Nate Diaz, the celebrated UFC veteran, has made it clear he wants no part of bare-knuckle fighting. After concluding a long-running UFC career, Diaz explored new fighting avenues yet refused to sign with BKFC — for reasons the organization’s boss describes as “refreshingly honest.”
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Nate Diaz’s refreshingly honest reason for refusing to fight bare-knuckle revealed by BKFC boss
Photo by Bloody Elbow
Key Takeaways:
- Nate Diaz ended a 15-year run with the UFC
- He is pursuing a new path in combat sports
- BKFC boss Dave Feldman revealed Diaz’s candid refusal
- Diaz doubts his compatibility with bare-knuckle boxing
- The story was reported by Bloody Elbow in October 2025
Background on Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz carved out an impressive 15-year career in the UFC, earning the respect of peers and fans for his resilience and fearless attitude in the Octagon. His high-profile bouts and willingness to face tough opponents cemented his reputation as one of mixed martial arts’ most notable competitors.
BKFC’s Offer and Perspective
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) president Dave Feldman expressed interest in signing Diaz after he left the UFC. The allure of a marquee fighter like Diaz joining bare-knuckle ranks was considerable. According to Feldman, many fans were also curious to see Diaz in a new, brutally straightforward form of combat.
Diaz’s ‘Refreshingly Honest’ Reason
As highlighted in Bloody Elbow’s coverage, Diaz “understands that he may not mix well with bare-knuckle boxing.” Although the full details remain sparse, Feldman has characterized Diaz’s outlook as surprisingly candid. He noted Diaz’s self-awareness comes from years of competing at the highest level — a level of experience that shaped Diaz’s decision to look elsewhere for his next challenge.
Transition to a New Combat Sport
Despite turning down BKFC, Diaz remains active. Little is publicly confirmed about his current fighting plans, but it is clear he wishes to continue in a domain more suited to his style. For Diaz, that means staying true to what he believes works best for him, even if it means exiting a potentially lucrative bare-knuckle deal.
Quick Reference Table
| Fighter | UFC Career Length | BKFC Boss | Main Reason for Refusal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nate Diaz | 15 Years | Dave Feldman | “May not mix well” with BKFC |
Looking Ahead
Diaz’s stance reflects a unique blend of self-awareness and discipline. While many fighters chase new opportunities without hesitation, Diaz’s honesty shows that even the most seasoned professionals weigh personal compatibility over hype. As fans watch Diaz’s next move, one thing remains clear: he will continue forging his own path in combat sports, guided by a perspective that is refreshingly his own.
