Nate Diaz is reportedly seeking to finish his two-and-a-half-year absence from the UFC, because the veteran MMA star picks Conor McGregor as a attainable opponent.
Will Nate Diaz Battle within the UFC Once more?
The Stockton Slugger is claimed to be fascinated with making a return to the UFC, with insider reviews suggesting that Diaz may return to full coaching within the latter levels of 2025.
Just lately, the veteran MMA fighter appeared on the ‘HJR Podcast’ the place he added additional gasoline to the hearth by naming Conor McGregor, Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway as very best opponents.
Regardless of these claims, the truth of Diaz returning to the UFC is quite unlikely as he has made statements over returning for a number of years now.
Though, former UFC star, Chael Sonnen, revealed that Diaz is genuinely contemplating the potential for returning and is even making the mandatory calls to schedule a battle.
Sonnen mentioned: “I understand how dangerous you guys wish to see Nate. And I understand how a lot you like him. You don’t know. He’s not kidding. In any respect. He’s coaching and making cellphone calls looking for opponents. He’s honest.”
A key characteristic that will assist Diaz in his push to make a comeback to the UFC is his reputation amongst followers, as the corporate is at the moment fighting the quantity of superstars it boasts.
At 40-years-old, Diaz is coming into the ultimate levels of knowledgeable athletes profession and if he’s to make this transfer again to the UFC, then it must be sooner quite than later.
Moreover, the previous UFC light-weight contender has dived into the world of boxing, shedding to Jake Paul in August 2023 and picked up a choice victory over Jorge Masvidal in July 2024.
When Did Nate Diaz Final Battle within the UFC?
Nate Diaz has been concerned within the sport of MMA for over 20 years, along with his older brother Nick additionally having fun with a robust profession within the Final Combating Championship.
As of Could 2025, Nate Diaz has knowledgeable MMA document of 22-13, along with his UFC document standing at 18-12 (the primary win coming within the Final Fighter Finale again in June 2007).
After his Final Fighter Finale victory, his UFC profession started with 4 straight wins between 2007-2009, a win streak he did not match throughout the remainder of his profession.
His greatest battle got here in March 2016, as Diaz beat Conor McGregor at UFC 196 through submission, earlier than shedding within the rematch through unanimous determination at UFC 202.
Diaz failed to succeed in the heights of his two bouts towards the Irishman and his last match-up within the UFC got here in September 2022, as he beat Tony Ferguson through 4th spherical submission.
Who May Nate Diaz Face in UFC Return?
As beforehand talked about, Diaz chosen McGregor, Holloway and Topuria as three attainable opponents if he returns to the UFC – however these are all unlikely for various causes.
Ilia Topuria is ready to battle Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC light-weight title at UFC 317 and is considerably increased than Diaz in each the UFC rankings and public notion.
It is usually exhausting to image Diaz coming again at 155-pounds, with each of his boxing bouts happening at 185 lbs towards Jake Paul and 175 lbs towards Masvidal.
That is additionally a key motive why a bout towards Max Holloway is unlikely, with the previous featherweight champion by no means combating above 155-pounds within the UFC.
Nonetheless, a battle that would make sense by way of curiosity, weight and historical past is the trilogy towards Conor McGregor because the Irishman has additionally taken a prolonged break from the game.
With each fighters profitable one every and gaining weight of their day off, a 3rd encounter may make sense in the event that they each resolve to return to the UFC.
One fighter that might be fascinated with a bout towards a giant UFC title is welterweight star Michael Morales who just lately moved as much as eighth within the rankings with a win over Gilbert Burns.