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Maia calls for retirement fight vs. Nate Diaz

Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty

Demian Maia hopes to compete inside the Octagon one more time before hanging up his gloves, and he wants his swan song to come against one of the most popular fighters on the UFC's roster.

The 43-year-old, who lost a unanimous decision to Belal Muhammad at UFC 263 this past weekend, expressed interest in a fight against Nate Diaz, who fell short to Leon Edwards during the same event.

"Regardless of last night, I know I still have one fight left in me, and it's no secret that I feel like UFC is my home, where I want to finish my career," Maia wrote in an Instagram post.

"Now, I have no idea if they will give me another fight, but if they do, I would be honored to do my last MMA bout with you (Diaz), someone who always come to fight, who represents (Brazilian jiu-jitsu), and whom I respect," he continued.

Maia's bout with Muhammad was the final one of his UFC contract, and the result extended his losing streak to two. Afterward, UFC president Dana White said signing the Brazilian veteran to a new deal is unlikely.

But perhaps Maia, a former title challenger at 185 and 170 pounds who has been in the promotion since 2007, can convince the boss.

"If I have one more, I don't want to waste it with someone who I don't respect," Maia wrote. "So if you want it, and the UFC wants to do it, it will happen, and it will be my last dance."

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