I’m not surprised. Nate Diaz is rumoured to be returning to action at the age of 40 after three and a half years away from MMA action. The Stockton native is a huge name and may be the man to bring major eyes to the promotion in the Paramount+ era.
The TUF season five winner laid out three names he’d be willing to face, and two of the three on his hit list would certainly excite fans.
“I’m Ready to Get Back in Real Action” – Nate Diaz Details UFC Return
Diaz’s Hit List
Speaking to TMZ, Nate Diaz outlined who he wants to fight on his return to action. When asked about Jake Paul, Diaz gave his former boxing opponent respect, noting how he’s doing his thing and pointing out that he fought Anthony Joshua.
Speaking on what’s next, Diaz stated that he’s “ready to get back in real action“. He also laid out who he could face on his return to the octagon, saying: “I want to fight either McGregor 3. I wanna fight maybe Dustin Poirier, if he stops being such a p**sy, and then maybe Mike Perry. We’ll see what happens in the future.”
August 17, 2019, Anaheim, California, USA: NATE DIAZ (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) DEF ANTHONY PETTIS BY UNANIMOUS DECISION AT UFC 241 on August 17, 2019. UFC 241 – ZUMAh148 20190817_zap_h148_056 Copyright: xDaltonxHammx
Diaz had a legendary two-fight series with Conor McGregor, shocking the world and winning their first bout on short notice, only to narrowly lose a rematch. The trilogy bout is the one that got away for many fans, and as McGregor has been retired for a number of years and is himself hinting at a return, this one could make a lot of sense.
The Dustin Poirier fight could be fun, too. Like Diaz, Poirier is retired from professional action. The two were scheduled to meet at UFC 230, however, The Diamond had to withdraw from the fight due to a hip injury. The two men constantly go at each other on social media, and the fight would get fans on the edge of their seats.
Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry – No, thank you.
Who do you want to see Diaz face on his return?