Nate Diaz is reportedly trying to finish his two-and-a-half-year absence from the UFC, because the veteran MMA star picks Conor McGregor as a doable opponent.
Will Nate Diaz Battle within the UFC Once more?
The Stockton Slugger is alleged to be excited by making a return to the UFC, with insider stories 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 fireplace 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 fairly 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 of returning and is even making the required calls to schedule a battle.
Sonnen stated: “I understand how dangerous you guys wish to see Nate. And I understand how a lot you’re keen on 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 which will assist Diaz in his push to make a comeback to the UFC is his reputation amongst followers, as the corporate is at present fighting the quantity of superstars it boasts.
At 40-years-old, Diaz is getting 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 fairly 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 call 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 twenty years, together with his older brother Nick additionally having fun with a robust profession within the Final Preventing Championship.
As of Could 2025, Nate Diaz has knowledgeable MMA document of 22-13, together 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 resolution at UFC 202.
Diaz failed to succeed in the heights of his two bouts towards the Irishman and his ultimate 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 doable opponents if he returns to the UFC – however these are all unlikely for various causes.
Ilia Topuria is about 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.
Additionally it is onerous 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 cause why a bout towards Max Holloway is unlikely, with the previous featherweight champion by no means combating above 155-pounds within the UFC.
Nevertheless, a battle that might make sense when it comes to 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 successful one every and gaining weight of their day off, a 3rd encounter may make sense in the event that they each determine to return to the UFC.
One fighter that might be excited by 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.
