Nate Diaz Eyes a UFC Return: Three Potential Opponents and a Bold Vision for Real Action
Nate Diaz is signaling a return to the UFC, chasing high-stakes fights that feel truly consequential. He has three opponents in mind and is ready to step back into the octagon for “real action.”
Diaz’s last appearance came in July 2024, when he defeated Jorge Masvidal by majority decision in a boxing-match format designed to set up a long-awaited clash for their original BMF bout in the UFC. Since then, Diaz has not competed under the UFC banner. He previously left the promotion after submitting Tony Ferguson in September 2022.
In an interview on the red carpet (via TMZ Sports), Diaz stated, “I’m ready to get back in real action. I want to fight either McGregor 3. I want to fight maybe Dustin Poirier, if he stops being such a pussy, and then maybe Mike Perry. We’ll see what happens in the future.”
Diaz and Conor McGregor have shared the UFC cage twice, each securing a victory in their respective encounters, though McGregor hasn’t fought since a loss to Poirier in July 2021. Dustin Poirier’s most recent UFC outings saw him fall short in title bouts—first to Islam Makhachev and later to a decision against Max Holloway, the current BMF champion at the time.
Mike Perry carved out a notable path in bare-knuckle boxing after leaving the UFC in 2021, compiling a 6-0 record in BKFC with wins over notable names such as Eddie Alvarez, Luke Rockhold, Michael Page, and Jeremy Stephens. Perry also dabbled in boxing, losing by knockout to Jake Paul in a single bout.
Diaz isn’t just chasing marquee matchups; he’s aiming for stages that would cement a historic UFC résumé. “Being part of a big event would be awesome,” he added when asked about participating in a UFC show at the White House on June 14.
Dustin Poirier weighed in on the chatter, responding to the speculation on Twitter on Monday morning.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Diaz’s list highlights a recurring theme in his career—seeking meaningful, narrative-driven clashes over easy wins. And this is the part most people miss: his emphasis on “real action” signals a potential shift toward fights that fans remember, not just pay-per-view pull.
Controversy-ready takeaway: some fans will argue that Diaz’s targets are either past their prime or risky for his legacy; others will defend the allure of high-drama showdowns, even if they come with inflated risk. What’s your take—do these proposed rivalries live up to the hype, or should Diaz pursue a different path to reestablish UFC dominance? Share your thoughts in the comments.
