Diaz chokes out Ferguson in final fight of UFC contract

Nate Diaz is leaving the UFC in style.

Diaz locked in a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round to beat Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 279 on Saturday. It was the final fight of Diaz's UFC contract.

Diaz and Ferguson went back and forth during the early rounds of a bout that was mostly fought on the feet.

Diaz picked away at Ferguson's face, opening up several cuts, while "El Cucuy" relentlessly used calf kicks to try and take away his opponent's mobility and rhythm. Ferguson also attempted several of his patented unorthodox attacks, such as swinging back fists and elbows, but to little effect.

Diaz's showmanship came out during the third round. He leaned on the cage, pointed to Ferguson after successful punches, and shouted to people cageside when his opponent failed to engage.

He picked up the pace in the fourth round and had Ferguson on the back foot. Taking the advice given to him by his corner, Ferguson attempted a takedown to halt his opponent's attack. However, Diaz took advantage of Ferguson's desperation, locking in the submission.

The Stockton, California, native hinted at a move to boxing now that his time with the UFC is over. He previously expressed interest in fighting YouTube star Jake Paul.

The 37-year-old was supposed to fight Khamzat Chimaev, but the Swede missed the welterweight limit by 7.5 pounds after doctors advised him to stop cutting weight. The UFC was thus forced to make major changes atop the pay-per-view card.

The undefeated Chimaev instead faced Kevin Holland in the co-main event and earned another impressive victory via first-round submission.

Diaz debuted in the UFC in 2007 and became one of the promotion's biggest stars, with a two-fight series with Conor McGregor the highlight of his tenure. He ends his time inside the Octagon with a 16-11 record.

Ferguson, who was making the move back up to 170 pounds, has now dropped his last five fights.