Nate Diaz, known for his directness, has shared his reasons for declining the chance to face Conor McGregor in the latter’s anticipated UFC return. Speaking ahead of his fight against Mike Perry under the MVP banner on Netflix, Diaz stated that the UFC wanted to insert him directly into their plans for McGregor’s comeback, but the proposition didn’t appeal to him under those conditions.
Diaz, who had been in discussions about a UFC return after his departure in 2022, ultimately chose to pursue opportunities outside the organization, including boxing and fighting under his own promotion. He explained his stance clearly: he did not want to be positioned as the “B-side” in a narrative focused on rehabilitating his old rival’s career.
In his own words, Diaz expressed, “I know that [the UFC] wanted the Conor fight right now… and I’m like, I’m not trying to be a comeback story for Conor. I want Conor back, and then I want him to be fucking showing people he’s whipping ass. Then that’s the guy I want. I don’t wanna be fighting a guy that they don’t know about, because I know he’s gonna come back and do good. I don’t need him to do it on me.”
These comments come amid renewed speculation about McGregor’s return. UFC President Dana White has indicated that McGregor is expected to compete this summer, with potential matchups being considered for International Fight Week in July or UFC 329. McGregor has been sidelined since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, and at 37, he is reportedly being strategic about his comeback after numerous postponements and public disagreements over opponents.
In contrast, Diaz has remained active. Following his submission win over McGregor at UFC 196 and his loss in the rematch at UFC 202, Diaz concluded his initial UFC tenure with a victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022 before entering free agency. Since then, he has participated in a high-profile boxing match against Jake Paul in August 2023 and is now headlining an MVP MMA event against former BKFC champion Mike Perry, which will be streamed globally on Netflix. This approach has provided Diaz with significant leverage and visibility independent of the UFC.
Diaz’s decision to refuse McGregor’s comeback fight aligns with the long-standing dynamic between the two fighters. Diaz still desires a third bout but on terms that would see McGregor first re-establish himself against other competitors. This would ensure their potential trilogy match is viewed as a contest between two active and successful fighters, rather than a tune-up bout for a star returning from a layoff.