This weekend, when Nate Diaz competes against Khamzat Chimaev in the penultimate bout of his contract with the company, his illustrious and protracted UFC career may come to an end.
Chimaev will want to keep his undefeated record and continue his ascent toward a title opportunity while also handing American Diaz a defeat.
As a professional mixed martial artist, Chimaev, 28, is 11-0 after stopping all 10 of his previous contests in the first or second round.
The Swedish fighter with Russian ancestry, who recently defeated former championship contender Gilbert Burns, miraculously took just one serious punch in his first four UFC fights.
The 37-year-old Diaz last fought in June 2021, losing to Leon Edwards by decision. Edwards then won the UFC welterweight championship last month.
This Saturday's co-main event features Tony Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion
moving up to welterweight in an attempt to end a four-fight losing streak. What you need to know about UFC 279 is provided here.