Nate Diaz officially leaves the UFC but still open to Conor McGregor trilogy as lucrative Jake Paul showdown looms

NATE DIAZ’s run with the UFC is officially over following the end of an exclusive negotiating period.

The former lightweight title challenger fought out his contract with mixed martial arts‘ premier promotion in September.

Nate Diaz is a free agent after fighting out his UFC contract and the end of an exclusive negotiation periodGETTY

Diaz closed out his UFC career with a victory over fellow vet Tony FergusonGETTY

GETTYBut the fan favourite hasn’t shut the door on a trilogy fight with rival Conor McGregor[/caption]

But the youngest Diaz brother was unable to field offers from potential suitors due to an exclusive three-month negotiation period.

That period, however, has since come to an end.

Diaz’s manager Zach Rosenfield told MMA Junkie: “Nate is going to be looking at the biggest fights possible.

A blockbuster trilogy with rival Conor McGregor is, however, still something Diaz wants to complete before hanging up his gloves.

Rosenfield continued: “He has stated that completing the trilogy with Conor McGregor is something that interests him, and that has not changed.”

Diaz is expected to enter the boxing world following his 15-year stint in the UFC – with a showdown against YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul a real possibility.

But the fan favourite won’t solely compete in the squared circle next year.

Rosenfield said: “You will see Nate competing multiple times in 2023, and that will include boxing.”

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Paul wasted no time in calling out Diaz, who was involved in a skirmish at the YouTuber’s clash with Anderson Silva last month.

He tweeted: “Hi Nate. Finally out of your UFC contract?

“Let’s see how tough you are in the boxing ring instead of hallway slap contests. @NateDiaz209.

A lucrative boxing match with Jake Paul could be on the cards for Nate DiazREX

“I have a venue booked. Offer is ready when you are. Just need you to sign.”

Diaz, 37, closed out his UFC career with fourth-round submission victory over fellow MMA vet Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 279 in September.