No this isn’t clickbait, you read that right. Nate Diaz and Jon Jones are going to be facing off but they won’t be fighting each other…well…maybe.
The announcement, made recently via ALF Global’s official Instagram account, has created a ton of buzz over the two big personalities.
From UFC Legends to Reality TV Mentors
ALF Global has consistently drawn in big names from across the MMA landscape, with past appearances from rising stars like Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan, as well as former champions like Aljamain Sterling. But the addition of Jon Jones—widely considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history—and Nate Diaz, the always game, Stockton-born antihero, raises the stakes considerably. These are not just fighters—they’re icons with massive followings, and that star power is likely to supercharge viewership.
No Fights Between Coaches—But Maybe Grappling?
Unlike The Ultimate Fighter, ALF Global’s format doesn’t end with the coaches fighting. That’s largely because many of the show’s competitors are contracted with different promotions, making sanctioned fights logistically impossible. However, there is a wild card: friendly grappling matches.
In the past, some coaches have engaged in light-hearted Jiu-Jitsu bouts, and while that remains a possibility for Jones and Diaz, the size disparity is staggering. Jones, now a heavyweight, likely walks around at over 240 pounds. Diaz, even when not cutting weight, floats somewhere around 170-180 pounds. That’s a 60+ pound difference—not a mismatch you’d expect to see outside of open-weight grappling competitions.
Still, Diaz has a deep Jiu-Jitsu pedigree, is known for accepting challenges others avoid, and has always thrived in chaos. Jones, too, has a history in no-gi grappling, though neither has competed in such settings recently. If the stars aligned for a light sparring roll between the two, it would undoubtedly be one of the most-watched grappling exchanges in the sport’s modern era.
A Win for ALF Global and MMA Fans
Whether or not Diaz and Jones ever touch the mats, their presence alone brings unmatched charisma and fight IQ to the series. With thousands of fans already tuning in each season, ALF Global has secured its biggest win yet—bringing two legends under one roof for a battle of minds, strategy, and maybe, just maybe, a little friendly violence.
