Nate Diaz backs down from ‘Slap’ comment, apologizes ahead of UFC 326. Former UFC standout Nate Diaz recently stirred up controversy with a bold remark about the upcoming UFC 326 main event, but he’s now taken to social media to clarify what he meant and apologize for the language he used.
Diaz, 40, has been hinting at a possible return to the UFC,especially with March’s BMF title fight between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira on the horizon. In an interview discussing that matchup, Diaz said he liked Holloway’s chances but then made a crude comment about wanting to “slap the sh*t out of” one of the fighters. “I like Max,” Diaz told Clocked N Loaded. “I’ll slap the shit out of [Charles Oliveira]. That was rude what I said but I’ll f*ck him up.”
It’s possible Diaz is angling to face the winner given his recent declaration that he not only created the “BMF” division but he has unfinished business there. The remark quickly made headlines, but confusion followed after some reports suggested he was targeting Max Holloway with the statement. Diaz took to X (formerly Twitter) to clear the air, saying the comment was actually directed at Charles Oliveira and that it was inappropriate.
“I didn’t say I’d slap Max (Holloway). I said that about (Oliveira), but I shouldn’t have said that either — it was rude and I was f’d up,” Diaz wrote. “If we were fighting in a caged match I might attempt it, but that was rude… my bad, Bruhs. All Respecto!”
The apology reflects Diaz’s awareness that fans and fighters alike took his initial comment seriously, and that its tone didn’t align with sportsmanship. Even though Diaz is known for his outspoken style and “Stockton Slap” persona, he recognized this time that his choice of words crossed a line for some. Diaz also talked about his interest in facing Holloway himself, including at the much-anticipated UFC White House event planned for June 2026 and suggested he has unfinished business in the UFC’s BMF division, which he helped popularize. “The White House would be perfect,” Diaz said about a date for his UFC return.
At UFC 326 on March 7, Holloway will defend the BMF title against Oliveira, and Diaz’s clarified comments have only added fuel to speculation about potential future bouts. Whether Diaz actually makes a return remains uncertain, but his apology and follow-up remarks have refocused attention on the athletes in the cage rather than the headlines.
