Michael Chandler threatens to 'Nashville slap' former UFC superstar after upcoming fight at UFC 314
03/23/2025 07:50 PM
Michael Chandler is more than willing to welcome Nate Diaz back to the Octagon if the Stockton star re-signs.
UFC fan favorite Michael Chandler will return to the Octagon against another star, Paddy Pimblett, in the UFC 314 co-main event next month in Miami. He returns looking to get back in the win column after losses in four of his last five fights, including his most recent defeat to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
Despite his up-and-down record in the UFC, Chandler remains a star-studded attraction on UFC pay-per-views. His multi-year wait for Conor McGregor to return to the Octagon ended with the Oliveira fight, although Chandler remains in pursuit of McGregor.
A win at UFC 314 would not only get Chandler back into the lightweight title mix but further solidify himself as a top pay-per-view star. If a former UFC superstar returns to the promotion this year, Chandler wants in.
Michael Chandler open to ‘Nashville slap’ Nate Diaz after Paddy Pimblett fight
Nate Diaz has entertained the possibility of returning to the UFC in 2025 amidst his current free agency. After parting ways with the UFC after a win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, Diaz fought twice in the boxing ring, including a win over former BMF foe Jorge Masvidal last year.
But Diaz’s potential UFC return is delayed by the promotion’s apparent lack of stars, according to the man himself. While Diaz wants to fight for a UFC championship, there aren’t many top names who could lure the Stockton native back to the cage.
One such name is Chandler, who entertained welcoming Diaz back to the Octagon during a recent Q+A on his social media.
After a follower on X asked about Chandler’s interest in potentially fighting Nate Diaz, Chandler answered with a blunt response.
“I’d Nashville slap Nathan,” Chandler replied.
Chandler reacted to Diaz’s initial UFC return teases by claiming the UFC is ‘the place to be’ in combat sports. It was seen as a minor swipe at Diaz’s decision to walk away from the promotion in favor of boxing fights and other ventures.
Another aspect of Diaz’s potential UFC return is McGregor. Tied up at one win apiece in their rivalry, a potential trilogy could take place if McGregor remains interested in an MMA comeback.
Nate Diaz’s UFC return delayed by promotion’s lack of ‘stars’
Diaz rose to UFC superstardom when he pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the sport’s history at UFC 196. He defeated McGregor by second-round submission in a days’ notice booking, handing McGregor his first UFC defeat.
McGregor defeated Diaz in their UFC 202 rematch by majority decision. Diaz then earned a decisive win over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 before back-to-back defeats to Masvidal and Leon Edwards.
If Diaz returns to the UFC Octagon, Chandler seems like a willing adversary. If the two cross paths outside of the cage, don’t be surprised if slaps fly.
