Nate Diaz’s first UFC fight since November 2019 was an unsuccessful one, dropping a unanimous decision to Leon Edwards at Saturday’s UFC 263 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The five-round non-title undercard fight was a first for the UFC. Edwards took all three judges’ scorecards 49-46.
While Edwards dominated for the majority of the fight, Diaz landed a right hand slap and a left hand in the fifth round that had Edwards on wobbly legs. Diaz pursued and continued to land punches, but Edwards was able to defend and survive for the win.
Edwards bloodied a grounded Diaz with an elbow to his head midway through the fight that had the Stockton, CA, star wearing a partial crimson mask for the duration. He also opened up a cut on Diaz’s head that saw significant blood flow.
As one might expect, Diaz had some unorthodox moments with unusual stances during the fight, trying to goad Edwards into making a mistake.
Edwards is now on a ten-fight unbeaten streak dating back to May 2016 and puts himself in the conversation for a title shot at current titleholder Kamaru Usman. Usman was the last fighter to deal Edwards a defeat.
It’s the second straight loss for Diaz who was last seen losing to Jorge Masvidal for the BMF title at November 2019’s UFC 244. He reportedly has one fight left on his contract.