Nate Diaz has not fought in the UFC since 2022 and while he remains involved in both MMA and boxing to some extent, it remains unclear if the promotion will ever try to bring him back.
However, according to Diaz, who spoke with Ariel Helwani, the UFC allegedly attempted to set up a return bout involving him, while also potentially positioning him as the comeback opponent for Conor McGregor, who has not fought since 2021.
All indications suggest McGregor is expected to return, but Diaz had no interest in being his first fight back in the Octagon — a matchup that would have marked a trilogy between the two after splitting their previous two fights in 2016.
More news: Khamzat Chimaev Calls Out Sean Strickland for Rematch After UFC 328
More news: Conor McGregor-Max Holloway Fight ‘On the Goal Line’ for UFC 329: Report
Diaz explained that he did not want to serve as McGregor’s “comeback story,” though he did say he would be open to facing him after his return at a later point.
“I know that they wanted the Conor fight right now… they were insinuating, they didn’t offer it, but I think that’s what they wanted but I’m not trying to be comeback story for Conor. I want Conor back.
“And then I want him to be [expletive] showing people he’s whipping [expletive]. Then that’s the guy I want,” Diaz said. “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.”
Diaz is currently 41 years old, so while a return remains plausible, it would likely be a short stint if he decides to fight again.
However, any potential bout between Diaz and McGregor would immediately become one of the biggest events in combat sports, not only because of how polarizing and popular both fighters are, but also due to the intensity and legacy of their first two fights.
More news: Cameras Catch Sean Strickland Apologizing to Khamzat Chimaev After UFC 328
Read the full article here
