![\"Nate](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Nate-Diaz-MMA-Return-Announced.png\")
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Nate Diaz MMA Return Announced<\/p>\n
Nate Diaz<\/a> will officially return to MMA but it will not for the UFC. The Stockton native will step back into the cage against former UFC veteran Mike Perry on May. 16.<\/p>\n Diaz vs. Perry will be contested in a five-round welterweight bout on the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano<\/a> card. The event is being promoted by Jake Paul<\/a>\u2018s Most Valuable Promotions and will stream live on Netflix. Diaz and Perry represent massive additions, especially given the following and reputation they have built throughout their careers.<\/p>\n Perry experienced a surge in popularity after leaving the UFC. He joined BKFC and became one of its biggest stars. \u2018Platinum\u2019 also founded Dirty Boxing, which has become another viable option for fighters.<\/p>\n Diaz, meanwhile, has competed in boxing bouts since leaving the UFC. He faced Paul in his first bout and lost by decision. However, he rebounded in his second outing when he defeated former rival Jorge Masvidal by decision.<\/p>\n Diaz has been linked to a UFC return for quite some time, so this pivot to Paul\u2019s promotion comes as a surprise.<\/p>\n BREAKING: Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry has officially been added to the first-ever, triple-headliner MMA event on Netflix!<\/p>\n They\u2019ll join the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card on May 16, which will also feature a showdown between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins.<\/p>\n #RouseyCarano<\/a> <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Nate Diaz and Mike Perry Expressed Interest in Fighting<\/p>\n Nate Diaz and Mike Perry both expressed interest in facing each other prior to the official announcement of their bout. Both have competed in high-profile fights since their UFC<\/a> departures, so the matchup adds intrigue to the event.<\/p>\n MMA journalist Ariel Helwani<\/a> posted a collection of clips showing Diaz and Perry expressing interest in a potential bout.<\/p>\n \u201cI know we would like to [book a fight]. I mean, I would like Nate Diaz to fight me,\u201d Perry said.<\/p>\n Diaz also expressed interest in returning to MMA and named Perry as a appealing option.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ready to get back in real action. I want to fight either [Conor] McGregor [in a trilogy], maybe Dustin Poirier if he stops being such a [expletive], and maybe Mike Perry. We\u2019ll see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n The former\u00a0Ultimate Fighter winner\u2019s last MMA bout came at UFC 279, where he submitted former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson.<\/p>\n Diaz vs. Perry Part of Triple-Header Main Event GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK \u2013 NOVEMBER 02: Nate Diaz of the United States enters the ring for his fight against Jorge Masvidal of the United States in the Welterweight \u201cBMF\u201d championship bout during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on November 02, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n After Diaz vs. Perry was announced, Netflix promoted the bout as part of a triple-header main event.<\/p>\n MVP\u2019s first MMA card is shaping up to be a entertaining event filled with nostalgia and name recognition. If the event succeeds, it could generate further interest from Netflix in continuing to invest in the sport.<\/p>\n In addition, Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions could see an opportunity to become a viable competitor to the UFC. With strong financial backing from Netflix, that possibility may not be too far-fetched.<\/p>\n Many within the MMA community have voiced frustration over the lack of quality in some UFC events that have fallen short of expectations. Paul and MVP could capitalize on that sentiment by offering a new product with high entertainment value.<\/p>\n The updated fight card for MVP\u2019s first MMA event on Netflix is as follows:<\/p>\n Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano \u2013 Women\u2019s Featherweight (145 pounds) \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tGiancarlo Aulino<\/a> Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and Inter Toronto FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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Francis Ngannou vs. Philip Lins \u2013 Heavyweight (265 pounds)
Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry \u2013 Welterweight (170 pounds)<\/p>\n
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