Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal to headline UFC 244
A welterweight clash between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal will headline UFC 244 on Nov. 2 in New York City, Dana White told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.
Diaz angled to face Masvidal following the 34-year-old's triumphant return to the Octagon at UFC 241 in August, praising his authenticity as a "gangster." Diaz defeated Anthony Pettis at the event.
Masvidal has seen his popularity surge since knocking out Ben Askren in five seconds with a flying knee in July. He seemed open to a Diaz fight after hearing the challenge, leaving financial terms and a date as the only hurdles to clear before finalizing the bout.
Though White hasn't confirmed it, the winner of the Diaz-Masvidal fight will likely get the inside track on a title shot against either Kamaru Usman or Colby Covington.
Diaz owns a 20-11 professional record, while Masvidal is 34-13.
UFC 244 will also feature Kelvin Gastelum vs. Darren Till in a middleweight tilt, and Derrick Lewis vs. Blagoy Ivanov in a heavyweight match.