Nate Diaz has thrown his support behind the UFC’s White House event, saying he understands why the promotion wants to link its return to US politics.
Fans had been hoping to see him on the historic card, but his return won’t come until a few weeks later on Netflix’s debut MMA show. He’s set to face Mike Perry in a co-main event, with Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano headlining.
Despite growing talk of Netflix and the UFC competing for attention, Diaz has no interest in adding fuel to that narrative.
He made it clear that he respects what the UFC is doing with its event and sees value in how it connects with American history.
Ronda Rousey called it an ‘Oligarch Shmooze Fest’ – But Nate Diaz is a fan of UFC White House Card
Nate Diaz is a fan of how the UFC is celebrating 250 years of American independence.
After her plan to return under the UFC banner was scuppered, allegedly due to Hunter Campbell, ‘Rowdy’ has not held back when discussing the promotion in which she once ruled as bantamweight champion.
Rousey has specifically targeted the White House event, claiming the card “sucks” and criticising the decision to have only VIPs and global dignitaries attend.
“I know I’m biased but I can’t remember ever seeing a single card more stacked than this in MMA history,” Rousey wrote on Facebook. “This is what happens when fighters come together and bet on themselves – change is coming, we are not expendable.
“This is a fight card for EVERYONE, not some oligarch shmooze fest (*cough* #whitehousecard *cough!),” she added.
Speaking to reporters after Wednesday’s Netflix press conference in New York City, Diaz was asked for his thoughts on the White House event and fight card.
The ex-UFC star had nothing but positive things to say about the occasion, specifically praising Alex Pereira’s inclusion in the lineup.
“I think it’s cool as f—. They’re gonna have a fight at the White House, representing and showing love to America,” Diaz said.
“Throwing a fight at the White House. And that card is pretty (good). They’ve got Pereira on there, that’s pretty good,” he concluded.
Nevertheless, the Stockton star has somewhat indulged in the anti-UFC sentiment that has been clear in the build-up to Netflix’s first event.
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