After a hiatus from the UFC, Stockton’s Nate Diaz is back in the spotlight, this time with a potential return to the octagon and a long-awaited trilogy against Conor McGregor. Diaz, who has been a free agent since 2022, remains one of the most iconic figures in the sport, and fans are eager to see if he will reignite one of the biggest rivalries in UFC history.
Diaz vs. McGregor: An Unfinished Rivalry
The Diaz-McGregor saga has been legendary in the UFC since 2016. Nate Diaz shocked the world in their first meeting at UFC 196, submitting McGregor in the second round. The rematch, at UFC 202, saw McGregor win by majority decision, leaving the score tied 1-1. Since then, fans have been clamoring for a third decision bout, but eight years later, the trilogy remains elusive.
Diaz is convinced that the final chapter of this rivalry must be resolved in the UFC. Although McGregor has shown interest in participating in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship(BKFC), Diaz has ruled out any possibility of facing McGregor in that arena. “I want him in a real fight because we have history there, and we have to finish what we started, and that’s in a real fight,” Diaz said. He wants to complete the story on the terms they started it: inside the octagon.
A Warrior at Heart
Although Diaz has experimented with boxing, most recently in a fight against YouTuber Jake Paulin 2023, his roots are in MMA. The 39-year-old veteran last competed at UFC 279, where he submitted Tony Ferguson in the fourth round. Since then, Diaz has been a free agent, and his next steps in combat sports have been the subject of speculation.
Diaz’s love for the sport and his desire to settle scores with McGregor remain as strong as ever. Despite the wear and tear of a 15-year UFC career, Diaz remains committed to fighting at the highest level. He has ruled out a return to the BKFC, stating that he has no interest in competing without gloves. His fighting spirit remains fierce, and the UFC is the only place where he sees his rivalry with McGregor must end.
What’s next for Diaz?
At this point, Diaz’s future is uncertain. While McGregor still has two fights left on his UFC contract, Diaz is free to explore other opportunities. However, he has his sights set on a return to the UFC if the right fight presents itself. And for Diaz, there’s only one matchup that matters: McGregor.
In an era when many UFC fighters prioritize big paydays over legacy, Diaz is an exception. He wants to fight the best, and he wants to do it on his own terms. In his mind, the trilogy with McGregor is unfinished business that must be resolved in the cage, not in the boxing ring or anywhere else.
The Pending Question: Will there be a Third Fight?
Will the UFC and McGregor accept the trilogy? McGregor, now co-owner of BKFC and promoting his businesses, has a lot on his agenda besides fighting. However, a McGregor-Diaz trilogy would be one of the biggest fights the UFC could make, guaranteeing huge pay-per-view figures and a fitting end to one of the greatest rivalries in MMA history.
A Legendary Career
Nate Diaz’s UFC career has been nothing short of legendary. After winning The Ultimate Fighter 5, Diaz took on some of the biggest names in the sport, earning a reputation as one of the UFC’s toughest and most resilient fighters. His bouts against McGregor, Jorge Masvidal and Benson Henderson, among others, have cemented his place in MMA history.
With 16 bonus awards in the UFC, Diaz is known not only for his toughness, but also for his ability to deliver exciting performances. Whether boxing, submitting or fighting in a melee, Diaz always leaves it all in the octagon.
Nate Diaz’s Legacy
Diaz has done more than fight: he has helped shape the UFC into what it is today. His impact on the sport goes beyond his fights, as both he and his brother Nick have been advocates for the use of cannabis in MMA, and even launched their own CBD company, Game Up Nutrition. The Diaz brothers are known for giving back to their community in Stockton, California, where they run a jiu-jitsu school and train the next generation of fighters.
Fans and analysts are eager to see what the future holds for Nate Diaz. Will he make another run in the UFC? Will he finally settle a score with Conor McGregor? One thing is for sure: when Nate Diaz returns to the cage, the world will be watching.
Conclusion: The Future Awaits
As a free agent, Nate Diaz is in complete control of his fighting future. Whether he chooses to return to the UFC or explore other opportunities, one thing is for sure: Diaz isn’t done. He’s eager to finish his business with McGregor and make one last run in the UFC. The Stockton native remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable figures in combat sports, and whatever his next move is, it will undoubtedly shake up the fight world.
