The UFC is undergoing a significant transition as younger fighters rise rapidly, reshaping the sport’s landscape while many of the legendary veterans from the past decade have retired or are winding down their careers. Jon Jones and Nate Diaz, two iconic figures from that celebrated generation, recently shared their candid views about the evolving UFC scene during a meeting in Thailand.
Both Jones and Diaz, now stepping away from their UFC careers, discussed their diminishing interest in current UFC events and expressed mixed feelings about the new generation of fighters and their prospects. Their comments, made while filming a Russian reality TV show, provide insight into the challenges the sport faces as it shifts into a new era.
Veteran Fighters Reflect on the New Wave of UFC Talent
Jon Jones admitted he no longer follows most UFC fights regularly, focusing only on bouts within his weight class. He said,
“I don’t lose sleep over who wins and who loses. I barely watch the UFC, unless it’s my weight class. A lot of people that we don’t know.”
—Jon Jones
Nate Diaz echoed this sentiment, highlighting how many fighters from their era have retired or faded from prominence. He pointed to Islam Makhachev, the current pound-for-pound champion, as a notable figure in today’s talent pool. Both veterans acknowledged Makhachev’s accomplishments but agreed he still needs significant achievements, such as a welterweight title and successful defenses, to secure his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Diaz reflected on the legacy left behind by their generation, noting the difficulty in living up to the standard set by fighters like Tony Ferguson and Jose Aldo, both recently retired after illustrious careers. Conor McGregor, meanwhile, remains inactive, with uncertainty about any future return to the octagon.
Other notable fighters such as Donald Cerrone and Jorge Masvidal have also stepped away from the spotlight after respected careers. Despite Jones’ limited engagement with current UFC events, he remains aware of public opinion and criticism, especially following a recent petition signed by over 100,000 MMA fans demanding he be stripped of his championship title.
Nate Diaz Opens Up About His Recent Incidents in Thailand
After leaving the UFC in 2023, Nate Diaz ventured into boxing, initially losing his debut bout to Jake Paul but later scoring a victory over Jorge Masvidal in a high-profile boxing match. His tough, confrontational nature has kept him in the headlines beyond competitive fighting.
Diaz was involved in a violent altercation in Thailand, which led to legal troubles and his removal from a Russian television project. Jon Jones explained that the organizers had to replace Diaz due to the public disturbance caused by the fight. Addressing the incident in a new YouTube video, Diaz described the events openly.
“We’re out here in Phuket, Thailand. We came out here to film a reality show with Jon Jones. I was looking forward to hanging out with Jones, the team, and everybody. It didn’t work out because we had to hop. We ain’t f**k with any of those Russians. They ain’t f**king with me, that’s what it is.”
—Nate Diaz
The controversy did not stop Diaz from expressing his ambitions to continue fighting. He has publicly stated his desire to face Conor McGregor again to conclude their rivalry trilogy. Diaz has also indicated interest in matchups with Max Holloway or Ilia Topuria, seeking opportunities should the UFC present them. A recent viral claim from Diaz saying he would easily defeat Belal Muhammad attracted heavy criticism and mockery from fans, showing how his outspoken style still challenges public perception.
What the Future Holds for UFC’s Rising Stars and Veterans
The UFC’s generational shift marks a complex moment for the sport, as the presence and influence of revered fighters like Jon Jones and Nate Diaz wane. Their reflections underscore both admiration for emerging fighters and skepticism about current talent meeting the high standards of past legends. Islam Makhachev exemplifies the promising new stars but still has hurdles ahead to be immortalized in UFC history.
The departure of veteran names such as Tony Ferguson, Jose Aldo, Donald Cerrone, Jorge Masvidal, and the hiatus of Conor McGregor leaves a void in star power and experience that the UFC’s new contenders must strive to fill. The intense scrutiny and passionate fan base will continue to shape how new champions and contenders are perceived.
Meanwhile, the personal trajectories of fighters like Diaz and Jones highlight the challenges aging veterans face both inside and outside the octagon. Their candid insights during the Thailand filming reveal complicated emotions about the sport’s ongoing evolution, where respect for the past meets uncertainty about the future.
As UFC’s landscape continues evolving, attention will remain focused on which emerging fighters can rise to prominence and how former stars pivot to life beyond active competition.