Former UFC veteran Nate Diaz is more than interested in facing undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez this year. The former UFC star is a free agent after parting ways with the UFC following his victory over Tony Ferguson last year. Moreover, the Stockton native can finally explore his options outside the sport after a long-lasting feud with the promotion and looks to make the most of it. Like Diaz, Alvarez has also set his sights on having an active year in 2023.

The Mexican star had a rocky 2022 after suffering only the second loss of his career at the hands of Dmitry Bivol in May, last year. However, he somewhat bounced back after beating an aging Gennady Golovkin in the final chapter of their trilogy fight. Now, the champion looks to take his revenge against Bivol but is also open to defending his 168-pound title against British boxer John Ryder. Moreover, his promoter Eddie Hearn has not completely ruled out this potential fight.

Eddie Hearn reveals Nate Diaz wants to fight Canelo Alvarez

In a recent appearance on the MMA Hour, Hearn claimed that he was in talks with Diaz about a potential fight with Alvarez. According to him, Diaz is more than willing to face his client. He added that while it was hard to give him a shot now, Diaz’s boxing skills were more than good.

“It was just a friendly conversation to say, ‘What are you thinking?’ And Nate Diaz’s mindset is, ‘I want to fight Canelo Alvarez.’ And who knows? It’s very difficult to give Nate Diaz a shot in a Canelo Alvarez fight. But again, Nate Diaz can box.” he said

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Hearn further claimed that he isn’t guaranteeing Diaz fight, but with the fan base he brings, a fight could be possible. “I’m not saying he’s going to compete with Canelo Alvarez. But he’s got a big fanbase and I think there’s a fascination behind seeing these guys do something different. It’s the unknown. What’s going to happen? I have no idea,” he added.

Diaz has been linked with other names like Jake Paul and Conor McGregor, with a bout against Paul expected this summer, but no fight has been confirmed yet. However, this is still the start of the year, and with him no longer being under the restrictions of the UFC he can explore his options to the fullest.

What did you think about Diaz wanting to face Alvarez this year? Let us know in the comments.

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