Nate Diaz‘s latest X post, “Crawford next 🎯,” has gotten fight fans buzzing. Many are scrambling to figure out if the UFC veteran is serious or just joking. Diaz, who has a habit of calling out prominent fighters after huge wins, now looks to be targeting Terence Crawford, the freshly crowned undisputed super middleweight champion. And the timing surely could not be more explosive, coming only a day after Crawford created boxing history by defeating Canelo Álvarez.

The backlash was swift. Some fans couldn’t believe Diaz’s bravado. “Cindy Crawford?” one person wrote, obviously mocking the idea in question. Another simply stated, “Nobody wants to see that BS!” Others were harsher, ordering him to “hang it up” or warning, “Clearly trolling, you aren’t at that level of the game, lil buddy.”

“Maybe fight like a washed-up UFC fighter or something,” suggested another fan. Well, it is clear by now that for many, the idea of ‘The Stockton Slugger’ fighting Crawford seems ridiculous and even dangerous for the 40-year-old former UFC star. In fact, many other fans even brought up Nate Diaz’s past. But why?

That’s because they want to remind him of his loss to Jake Paul in a highly publicized bout. “You couldn’t even get past Jake Whatshisname,” one fan wrote. “Didn’t you get your a– beaten by Jake Paul?” another wrote. “You couldn’t even beat Jake Paul, brother,” a third said, suggesting Diaz’s boxing credentials were worthless and that he was nowhere near elite competition right now.

However, not everyone was willing to throw him under the bus. Some fans supported him, knowing Diaz’s reputation and sense of humor. “We love ya bro and you’re a legend in your own right! We know you’re just joking!” one fan wrote. Others urged him to dream big: “Setting the bar too high is better than setting it too low. F— it, dream big.” These fans see Diaz’s bravery as part of his persona: brazen, unapologetic, and never afraid to take on a challenge.

Terence Crawford‘s rise has been nothing less than phenomenal. After defeating Alvarez in front of a record crowd at Allegiant Stadium, he became the first male boxer to win undisputed belts in three weight divisions in the four-belt era. Crawford used speed, precision, and tactical expertise to defeat one of boxing’s biggest names, confirming his position as a generational talent.

So, it is no surprise that several fans would argue that getting into the ring with him is a death sentence for a fighter who isn’t at his best. And right now, Nate Diaz is just a distant shadow of the legendary talent that he once was. But despite this, he is making sure that he remains in the limelight with his list of never-ending callouts.

Nate Diaz is desperately eyeing a comeback opponent

Nate Diaz’s recent social media activities and post-fight commentary make it obvious that he is actively planning his return. Ever vocal, he has targeted challengers across many divisions, suggesting that his comeback would not be gradual, as he wants headline fights that test him and draw attention. His interest in Terence Crawford, while audacious, fits right into a trend of chasing high-profile opponents to make a statement.

Earlier this year, Diaz called out Khamzat Chimaev after his UFC 319 middleweight title victory, criticizing the fighter for being “scared” and not displaying the intensity Diaz craves. He has also openly named lightweight and welterweight competitors he would like to face, including Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, and Michael Chandler, emphasizing that he is not interested in safe or low-risk contests.

Even long-time rivals Jorge Masvidal and Conor McGregor are on his radar for potential rematches or trilogy fights. Nate Diaz’s approach to his comeback is fueled by both personal ambition and a desire to entertain fans.

His assessments of athletes and the UFC reflect displeasure with what he perceives to be a stagnating roster, as well as a desire to regain relevance. Whether or not a fight with Crawford occurs, his continuous callouts show his desire to reestablish himself as one of MMA’s most provocative and high-profile fighters.