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Marc Raimondi, ESPN Staff Writer
A rematch between the UFC's leading headliners will take place in boxing.
Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal are scheduled to fight again in a boxing match on June 1 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The two fought in MMA for the mythical BMF title in the main event of UFC 244 on November 2, 2019 at Madison Square Garden. Masvidal won this match by TKO (doctor stoppage).
Diaz vs. Masvidal is a 10-round contract at 175 pounds.
The event, distributed by Fanmio, is called “Last Man Standing.” A promotional tour in multiple cities is planned.
Diaz and Masvidal, the UFC's biggest stars of this era, have since left the promotion, with Diaz becoming a free agent and Masvidal retiring. The UFC has cleared Masvidal to compete in this fight since he is still under contract. Diaz and Masvidal have participated in three of the top 10 pay-per-view events in UFC history.
Diaz made his professional boxing debut last August with a decision loss to YouTuber-turned-prize fighter Jake Paul. Diaz entered the match with an arm injury.
This will be Masvidal's return to competition after retiring in April 2023 after losing to Gilbert Burns in the UFC.
Masvidal defeated Diaz in the fourth round at UFC 244 after ringside doctors stopped the fight due to Diaz's cut. That becomes the driving force for the rematch. There is still unfinished business. Masvidal wants to clear all doubts, but Diaz is bent on revenge.
“Nate is walking like a dead man,” Masvidal said in a statement. “I can't wait to prove that the last fight wasn't a fluke. He was saved by the referee. He's boxing now, which he says he's good at. He has no chance of beating me, and I'm not going to give up.'' “He's only got an inch left in the ring to breathe.'' If he thinks our MMA match is bad, then things will get worse.'' It's going to get even worse. I'm going to drown him. I want to get rid of the story that he and I are the same. “Or that the referee saved the day. All that talk is June 1st. Violence and hand-throwing are in both of our blood, but as I've proven before, I'm a much better athlete and I'm a meaner fighter. On June 1st, When I come, I will solve all the unanswered questions and live until the world sees me. ”
Fanmio has broadcast big martial arts events in the past, including Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul in 2021.
“When we started our journey into boxing, we wanted to compile only the most entertaining bouts that would help us transcend the world of martial arts,” Fanmio CEO Solomon Engel said in a statement. said. “Being able to host the Diaz vs. Masvidal rematch in a boxing ring aligns with that vision. They are the original true BMF, continually filling arenas and selling millions of pay-per-views. June 1st is an opportunity for each to write a new chapter in their storied history, to score points and to show the world who will be the last one standing.”
