Israel Adesanya thinks the UFC are "wrong" for making Nate Diaz face Khamzat Chimaev in what will likely be his last fight for the promotion.
Diaz, 37, will likely see out his 15-year UFC stint this Saturday in his clash with soaring welterweight contender Chimaev at UFC 279. Diaz and his brother Nick have gained a cult-like following during their time in the UFC, with Nate competing in the promotion since winning season five of The Ultimate Fighter.
The Stockton-native became an overnight star following his submission win against Conor McGregor in 2016, a fight he took on just 11 days' notice. In his 27th fight for the UFC, Diaz has the challenge of handing Chimaev his first loss and is a big underdog heading into the main event clash.
Who wins at UFC 279 - Nate Diaz or Khamzat Chimaev? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
Adesanya agrees with claims that Diaz is being sacrificed in his last fight for the promotion, stating on his YouTube channel: "This is Nate's last fight on his contract, so how everyone is seeing this fight is [the UFC] is feeding him to the wolves. I feel like they're doing Nate wrong by feeding him this up and comer who is destroying everyone that been in his way.
"For Nate's last fight, I feel like it would have been cool to see Nate fight someone like Tony Ferguson. That would have been a good last fight.
"Nate's fight with Conor McGregor was one of the times he shocked the world. When people get tired Nate is like a steam engine, he just keeps going. It's hard to finish Nate but if someone can do it, it might be [Khamzat]. Rounds four and five, this is where Nate starts to thrive. Nate can last, in the Leon [Edwards] fight he was getting pinged but in the last round he hurts him."
Adesanya is predicting Diaz to beat Chimaev despite criticising the matchup, predicting that 'Borz' will tire out come the later rounds. "If Chimaev's going to win, it's going to be a decision but I think Nate's going to win later on," he added. "I think Chimaev will gas around the third or fourth round, then Nate takes over and TKOs or submits him. He's shocked the world before."
Diaz has admitted just days out from his fight with Chimaev that he doesn't want the bout to take place and that he has given up training for it. The UFC veteran was calling for fights against the likes of Ferguson and Michael Chandler to see out his contract before being matched up against Chimaev, who has vowed to turn Diaz's swansong into " a funeral ".
