LAS VEGAS — Nate Diaz put on a vintage performance Saturday in the main event of UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena, defeating Tony Ferguson with a guillotine choke at 2:52 in the fourth round of the new main event.

Diaz has left the door open to a UFC return, but said he intends to show fighters how to take over another sport.

“I want to take some time away from the UFC to show UFC fighters how to take over and own another sport,” Diaz said in a cage. “Conor McGregor didn’t know how to do it. None of these other fighters know how to do it. , I’m going to be the best in my field—show everyone I’m the best in my field.

He then said he would consider a return to the UFC and chase the title.

He will fight Ferguson after Kamzat Chimayev lost weight on Friday, forcing the UFC to change the final three fights on the main card.

Chimaev was -1200 more popular than Diaz, but when the fight changed, Diaz finished as a +125 underdog against Ferguson. Ferguson was the -150 favourite, but Diaz had a ticket written six times.

Diaz gave one of his typical performances. He boxed a lot and circled the cage, but had more success as the fight progressed. He confided in Ferguson when the second round started and was tormenting him by the time he got to the fourth round.

Ferguson had a bloody right eye and a large gash on his left shin.

Diaz’s leg showed the impact of Ferguson’s kick, but Diaz had too many hands. Diaz clearly enjoyed playing against Ferguson instead of Chimaev.

“It was nice to be able to fight another OG. [Chimaev’s] Bitch ass,” Diaz said.

The crowd cheered Diaz loudly throughout the match, but when Ferguson tapped, they cheered.