Chimaev vs Diaz set to headline UFC 279

Contracts have not been signed, but both fighters verbally agreed to the showdown and date according to Campbell. UFC 279 will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Zach Rosenfield, Diaz’s representative, confirmed the date and opponent for Diaz’s next fight. “This is a fight that Nate has been asking for since mid-April.”

Diaz (20-13) has expressed in 2022 his desire to fight and finish his current UFC contract, which has one fight remaining. According to sources, Diaz’s camp and UFC were involved in discussions about a new contract, however, the 37-year-old fighter made it very clear recently that he wanted to fight and honor the deal.

One of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster, Diaz has not fought since a decision loss to current UFC welterweight title challenger Leon Edwards in June 2021.

Chimaev (11-0) is coming off a decision win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 in April. It was the most competitive fight of Chiamev’s pro career, but it was against a former UFC title challenger. Chimaev, who was born in Chechnya and now fights out of Stockholm, is one of the fastest-rising title contenders in UFC history. He has a 5-0 record since signing with the promotion in 2020.

“I will be handling Nate Diaz’s funeral with the UFC,” Chimaev said, in a statement he provided in Swedish to his representatives.