Nate Diaz Calls Ilia Topuria a 'Punching Bag' After UFC Loss

Nate Diaz called Ilia Topuria a "punching bag" in response to Topuria mocking Diaz over his own cut-stoppage TKO loss earlier this year.

Diaz made the comments while attending the launch of Scott Coker's new Ki MMA promotion, taking aim at the former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion over his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House in June. "I don't really give a fck about what they do, but Ilia is lame as fck," Diaz said. "He's fcking lame. He's a punching bag. He called me a punching bag, he's a fcking punching bag. He got his ass whooped."

The shot traces back to earlier this year, when Diaz was busted open and lost via cut-stoppage TKO to Topuria at MVP MMA 1, and Topuria afterward called Diaz a punching bag. Diaz is now returning the label after watching Topuria absorb his first professional loss.

What Happened to Ilia Topuria at UFC White House

Ilia Topuria dropped his lightweight title and his undefeated record to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House this past June. "El Matador" is currently on the comeback trail after suffering a disappointing loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House this past June, and not only did Topuria drop the lightweight title to Gaethje, he also lost his undefeated record. Before that fight, Topuria was on a historic run, capturing UFC titles at 155 and 145 pounds, and scoring consecutive knockout wins over future Hall of Famers Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski.

With the possibility of an immediate rematch looming, fans and media are split on whether Gaethje vs. Topuria 2 makes sense or if the champion deserves a fresh challenger. Diaz clearly isn't in the camp giving Topuria the benefit of the doubt, framing the loss as proof his old rival got exposed rather than just caught on a bad night.

Betting Angle

Sportsbooks that have posted early numbers on a possible Gaethje-Topuria rematch have Topuria back as the favorite, in the neighborhood of -250, with Gaethje sitting around +210 as the underdog. That's a notable shift from how oddsmakers had it the first time around, and it shows the market still respects Topuria's résumé even after the setback. For bettors, Diaz's trash talk doesn't move any lines, but it does add fuel to a lightweight picture that's already crowded with rematch chatter, a fresh-challenger debate, and a former two-division champion trying to rebuild his stock.

Diaz, for his part, has his own loss to answer for. Getting worked over on the feet by Topuria earlier this year is exactly why "punching bag" cuts both ways here, and expect that dynamic to follow both fighters into whatever they book next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nate Diaz call Ilia Topuria a 'punching bag'?

Nate Diaz used the insult to return fire after Ilia Topuria called him a punching bag following Diaz's cut-stoppage TKO loss to Topuria at MVP MMA 1, and Diaz brought it back up after Topuria lost his UFC lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House.

What happened between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC White House?

Justin Gaethje beat Ilia Topuria at UFC White House this past June, taking the UFC lightweight title and handing Topuria the first loss of his professional career.

Is a Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria rematch happening?

A rematch between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria has been discussed as a possibility, but fans and media remain split on whether the UFC should book it immediately or give Gaethje a new challenger.