After a hiatus from the UFC, Norther-California (Stockton, CA) Nate Diaz is once again making headlines, this time with the potential for a return to the octagon and a highly-anticipated trilogy fight against Conor McGregor. Diaz, who has been a free agent since 2022, remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures, and fans are eager to see if he will reignite one of the greatest rivalries in UFC history.
Diaz vs. McGregor: A Rivalry Unfinished
The Diaz-McGregor saga has been the stuff of UFC legend since 2016. Nate Diaz shocked the world in their first encounter at UFC 196, submitting McGregor in the second round. The rematch, at UFC 202, saw McGregor edge out a majority decision victory, leaving the score tied at 1-1. Since then, fans have clamored for a decisive third bout, but eight years later, the trilogy remains elusive.
Diaz is adamant that the final chapter of this rivalry must be settled in the UFC. While Conor McGregor has flirted with a role in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), Diaz has dismissed any possibility of meeting McGregor in that arena. “I’d like him in a real fight because we got history there, and we gotta finish what we gotta do, and that’s a real fight,” Diaz said. He wants to complete the story on the terms that began it—inside the octagon.
A Fighter at Heart
Though Diaz has experimented with boxing—most recently in a bout against YouTuber Jake Paul in 2023—his roots remain in MMA. The 39-year-old veteran last competed in the UFC 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 intense speculation.
Diaz’s love for the sport and his desire to settle the score with McGregor are still very much alive. 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 BKFC, stating he has no interest in competing without gloves. Diaz’s fighting spirit is as fierce as ever, with the UFC being the only place he sees fit to end his rivalry with McGregor.
What’s Next for Diaz?
At the moment, Diaz’s future remains uncertain. While McGregor still has two fights left on his UFC contract, Diaz is free to explore other opportunities. However, his eyes are firmly set on a UFC return if the right fight presents itself, And for Diaz, there’s only one matchup that matters: McGregor.
In an era where many UFC fighters prioritize big paydays over legacy, Diaz is a throwback. He wants to fight the best, and he wants to do it on his terms. The McGregor trilogy, in his mind, is unfinished business that needs to be resolved in the cage, not the boxing ring or any other venue.
The question remains: will the UFC and McGregor agree to the trilogy bout? McGregor, now part-owner of BKFC and promoting his ventures, has more on his plate than just fighting. However, a McGregor-Diaz trilogy would be one of the biggest fights the UFC could make, guaranteeing massive pay-per-view numbers and a fitting conclusion to one of MMA’s greatest rivalries.
A Storied Career
Nate Diaz’s career in the UFC has been nothing short of legendary. After winning The Ultimate Fighter 5, Diaz went on to fight some of the biggest names in the sport, earning a reputation as one of the toughest and most durable fighters in the UFC. His fights against McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, and Benson Henderson, among others, have cemented his place in MMA history.
With 16 UFC bonus awards, Diaz is known not only for his toughness but also for his ability to deliver thrilling performances. Whether he’s boxing, submitting, or slugging it out in a brawl, Diaz always leaves it all in the octagon.
The Legacy of Nate Diaz
Diaz has done more than fight—he’s helped shape the UFC into what it is today. His impact on the sport extends beyond his fights, as he and his brother Nick have both been advocates for cannabis use in MMA, and they 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 nurture the next generation of fighters.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what the future holds for Nate Diaz. Will he make another run in the UFC? Will he finally settle the score with Conor McGregor? One thing is for sure—when Nate Diaz steps back into the cage, the world will be watching.
Conclusion: The Future Awaits
As a free agent, Nate Diaz holds all the cards in his fighting future. Whether he chooses to return to the UFC or explore other opportunities, one thing is certain: Diaz is not done yet. He’s eager to finish his business with McGregor and make one more 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’s bound to shake up the fighting world.
