Nate Diaz is stirring the pot again, hinting at a potential UFC return with a very specific, and dare we say, bold list of opponents! But is this just talk, or are we about to see some legendary matchups reignited? Let's dive in!
After a hiatus from the Octagon, the ever-popular Stockton slugger, Nate Diaz, has made it clear he's ready for some "real action" fights. His last foray into combat was a majority decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in July 2024, a boxing match that served as a rematch for their iconic UFC BMF title bout. However, it's been since September 2022 that Diaz last graced the UFC canvas, a fight where he famously tapped out Tony Ferguson before parting ways with the promotion.
Diaz recently shared his wishlist with reporters, stating, "I'm ready to get back in real action." He's got his sights set on a trilogy with Conor McGregor, a potential showdown with Dustin Poirier, and even Mike Perry. "We'll see what happens in the future," he added, leaving the door wide open.
But here's where it gets interesting... The Diaz-McGregor rivalry is already legendary, with each fighter holding a win over the other in the UFC. However, McGregor himself hasn't been seen in the UFC since his loss to Poirier in July 2021. This could be a major roadblock to a third encounter.
As for Dustin Poirier, he's been in some tough fights lately. His last UFC appearances saw him lose back-to-back title bouts, first being finished by Islam Makhachev and then going the distance with the current BMF titleholder, Max Holloway. Could a fight with Diaz be the spark he needs to get back on track?
And then there's Mike Perry, who has found incredible success in bare-knuckle boxing since his UFC release in 2021. He boasts an undefeated 6-0 record in the BKFC, with impressive wins against notable names like Eddie Alvarez and Michael Page. While he did suffer a knockout loss in a boxing match against Jake Paul, his bare-knuckle prowess is undeniable. Could a move back to MMA, and specifically a fight with Diaz, be on the horizon?
And this is the part most people miss... Diaz isn't just looking for the biggest fights; he's also open to the biggest stages. When asked about potentially fighting on the UFC's White House event on June 14, he enthusiastically replied, "That would be dope, too."
Dustin Poirier, ever the active presence on social media, responded to this news on Twitter Monday morning. What do you think his response entailed? Is this a genuine possibility, or just Nate Diaz being Nate Diaz? What are your thoughts on these potential matchups? Do you think Nate Diaz will return to the UFC, and who would you most like to see him fight? Let us know in the comments below!
