Nate Diaz is reportedly seeking to finish his two-and-a-half yr absence from the UFC because the veteran MMA star has chosen Conor McGregor as his opponent.
Will Nate Diaz combat within the UFC once more?
The Stockton slugger is claimed to be concerned about returning to the UFC, with insiders suggesting Diaz may return to full coaching within the second half of 2025.
The veteran MMA fighter not too long ago appeared on the ‘HJR Podcast’ and added gasoline to the hearth by naming Conor McGregor, Ilya Topria and Max Holloway as splendid opponents.
Regardless of these claims, the fact of Diaz returning to the UFC is very unlikely, as he has been making statements about returning for a number of years.
Nonetheless, former UFC star Chel Sonnen revealed that Diaz is genuinely contemplating the opportunity of a return and has even made the mandatory cellphone calls to schedule a combat.
Mr. Sonnen stated: “I understand how a lot you guys wish to see Nate. And I understand how a lot you guys love him. You do not know. He is not kidding. He is been coaching and making calls to seek out opponents. He is honest.”
A key attribute that would support Diaz in his quest to return to the UFC is his reputation amongst followers, as the corporate struggles with the variety of superstars it at present boasts.
Diaz, 40, is within the last phases of his profession as an expert athlete, and if he’ll return to the UFC, he’ll must do it sooner moderately than later.
Moreover, the previous UFC light-weight contender jumped into the world of boxing, dropping to Jake Paul in August 2023 and scoring a choice victory over Jorge Masvidal in July 2024.
When was the final time Nate Diaz fought within the UFC?
Nate Diaz has been concerned within the sport of MMA for over 20 years, and his older brother Nick additionally had a profitable profession within the Final Preventing Championship.
As of Might 2025, Nate Diaz’s skilled MMA document is 22 wins and 13 losses, and his UFC document is eighteen wins and 12 losses (his first win was at The Final Fighter Finale in June 2007).
After his win on The Final Fighter Finale, his UFC profession started with a four-fight win streak from 2007 to 2009, a streak he was unable to attain for the remainder of his profession.
His largest combat got here in March 2016, when Diaz defeated Conor McGregor by submission at UFC 196, however misplaced by unanimous resolution within the rematch at UFC 202.
Diaz fell quick in his two fights in opposition to the Irishman, and his final combat within the UFC got here in September 2022, when he defeated Tony Ferguson by fourth-round submission.
Who may Nate Diaz face in his return to the UFC?
As beforehand talked about, Diaz has chosen McGregor, Holloway, and Topuria as doable opponents ought to he return to the UFC, however all of those are unlikely for various causes.
Ilia Topuria is scheduled to combat Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC light-weight title at UFC 317, and is considerably increased than Diaz in each UFC rankings and public notion.
It is also arduous to think about Diaz coming again to 155 kilos. His boxing matches embody Jake Paul at 185 kilos and Masvidal at 175 kilos.
That is additionally the primary cause why a combat with Max Holloway is unlikely to occur, as the previous featherweight champion has by no means fought above 155 kilos within the UFC.
However the combat that may make sense by way of curiosity, weight and historical past could be the trilogy with Conor McGregor, because the Irishman can be taking an prolonged break from competitors.
Each fighters have one win every and have made weight throughout their day without work, so a 3rd matchup may make sense if each resolve to return to the UFC.
One fighter who may very well be concerned about a combat with a giant title within the UFC is welterweight star Michael Morales, who not too long ago moved as much as No. 8 within the rankings with a win over Gilbert Burns.
