Former UFC superstar Nate Diaz is plotting his return to fighting in MMA and boxing.
As the 2025 combat sports calendar year surpasses the midway point, Nate Diaz has yet to appear in either the Octagon or the boxing ring for a scrap. Diaz, who parted ways with the UFC following a win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, hasn’t fought since defeating former BMF foe Jorge Masvidal in boxing last year.
Despite Diaz’s inactivity, there are several big-name fights on his radar, including a potential return to the UFC if negotiations prove fruitful.
Nate Diaz rooting for Conor McGregor comeback to set up UFC trilogy
Diaz and two-time UFC rival Conor McGregor are both planning on returns to combat sports in the next year. McGregor wants to fight at The White House in 2026 for the UFC’s planned event on the south lawn.
But McGregor isn’t the only top tier name on Diaz’s mind as he plots his next move.
During a recent appearance on the Out Cold podcast, Diaz was asked about his fighting future as he plots his comeback.
“If I could fight anybody right now, I would fight — with all due respect to them — if Conor McGregor came back. S—, Conor McGregor,” Diaz said.
“There ain’t nobody else to fight, really, right now. I would like for him to come back and impress everybody first. Not that he needs to, but it would be great to see him back. Everybody’s hating on him. I’d like to beat up somebody on top of the world, and I think he’s got the capability to do that.
“Then that little Ilia Topuria, he’s doing a really good job,” Diaz said. “He’s a little small for me, but those two are probably the best fights.” (h/t MMA Fighting)
Diaz then turned the conversation towards boxing mega fights against either one of the sport’s two brightest stars.
“And then on the boxing side, obviously Canelo or Crawford. I ain’t asking for nothing, but when I whoop someone’s a–, I’m gonna get them m———–, too,” Diaz declared.
“With all due respect. That’s my plan.”
Diaz defeated Masvidal by majority decision in their boxing match last year. In recent months, Diaz was a top target of Bare Knuckle FC, but contract talks stalled.
The only man to ever knock out Diaz, Josh Thomson, called him out for a rematch in the boxing ring. Thomson knocked out Diaz with a head kick in 2013.
Ilia Topuria captured the then-vacant UFC lightweight belt last month at UFC 317. Later this year, Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez will square off in a boxing mega fight.
Ilia Topuria has another reason to move to welterweight after Nate Diaz’s callout
Topuria has teased a run to become the UFC’s first three-division champion, a pursuit that hit a major delay following an alleged promise to the matchmakers. A matchup with Diaz would likely be enticing to Topuria as he prepares for his first lightweight title defense.
Diaz pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when he handed McGregor his first loss in the Octagon at UFC 196. But McGregor would get his revenge in their instant classic rematch, defeating Diaz by majority decision at UFC 202.
At 40 years old, Diaz is running out of time if he hopes to earn another UFC chapter. In the meantime, Diaz could get the attention of Topuria, Crawford, and Alvarez for a potential fight booking.