Ali Akbar Rosady
Nate Diaz, the enigmatic "Stockton Samurai" and former UFC lightweight contender, has formally expressed his intention to return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) octagon, specifically seeking what he terms "real action" fights. In a recent statement to red carpet reporters, Diaz identified a high-profile trio of potential opponents: long-time rival Conor McGregor, fellow lightweight stalwart Dustin Poirier, and bare-knuckle boxing sensation Mike Perry. The announcement has already ignited the combat sports world, particularly prompting a swift and characteristic social media retort from Poirier, leading to an immediate escalation of their simmering rivalry.
Diaz’s last competitive outing saw him secure a majority decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match in July 2024, a contest framed as a retaliatory effort following their initial "BMF" title bout under the UFC banner. His most recent appearance within the UFC itself dates back to September 2022, when he submitted Tony Ferguson before subsequently parting ways with the premier mixed martial arts promotion. This period away from the UFC has seen Diaz explore other combat sports ventures, yet his recent comments suggest a clear desire to re-engage with the organization that forged his reputation as one of the sport’s most compelling figures.
"I’m ready to get back in real action," Diaz reportedly told TMZ Sports, laying out his vision for a grand return. "I want to fight either McGregor 3. I wanna fight maybe Dustin Poirier, if he stops being such a p*ssy, and then maybe Mike Perry. We’ll see what happens in the future." This declaration immediately sent ripples through the MMA community, setting the stage for potential blockbuster matchups and reigniting old feuds.
The prospect of a third clash with Conor McGregor is arguably the most commercially appealing option on Diaz’s list. The two men have a storied history, having met twice inside the UFC octagon, with each fighter securing a victory. Their initial encounter at UFC 196 in March 2016 saw Diaz submit McGregor in a stunning upset, a fight that catapulted Diaz into a new stratosphere of stardom. The highly anticipated rematch at UFC 202 in August 2016 delivered another classic, with McGregor narrowly winning a majority decision in a brutal five-round war. This rivalry transcended sport, becoming a cultural phenomenon and setting pay-per-view records. McGregor, however, has been largely inactive in recent years, with his last fight occurring in July 2021, a loss to Dustin Poirier that also saw him suffer a severe leg injury. His return to active competition remains a subject of intense speculation, making a trilogy bout with Diaz a monumental event, should both men be able to commit.
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Dustin Poirier, ranked among the top lightweights in the UFC, represents a different, yet equally compelling, challenge for Diaz. Their paths were originally slated to cross in a highly anticipated lightweight bout at UFC 230 in November 2018, a fight that ultimately fell through due to an injury sustained by Poirier. This cancellation has left an unresolved narrative thread between the two fan-favorite fighters, often fueled by social media barbs and public call-outs. Poirier’s recent career trajectory has seen him contend at the sport’s highest level, though his last two UFC appearances resulted in back-to-back defeats in championship-level contests. He was submitted by Islam Makhachev in a lightweight title bout and subsequently suffered a knockout loss to Max Holloway in their "BMF" title fight, a rematch of their 2019 interim lightweight championship bout. Despite these setbacks, Poirier remains a formidable force and a significant draw, ensuring that any matchup with Diaz would carry considerable weight and fan interest.
The inclusion of Mike Perry on Diaz’s shortlist introduces an intriguing cross-promotional element. Perry, known as "Platinum," carved out a reputation for wild, entertaining fights during his tenure in the UFC before his release in 2021. Since then, he has found remarkable success in the burgeoning world of bare-knuckle boxing, specifically with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Perry boasts an impressive 6-0 record in the BKFC ring, securing significant victories over established names such as Eddie Alvarez, Luke Rockhold, Michael Page, and Jeremy Stephens. His only foray into professional boxing saw him suffer a knockout loss to YouTube personality Jake Paul. While a fight against Perry would necessitate a significant negotiation between the UFC and BKFC, or Perry’s return to MMA, his aggressive style and recent combat sports prominence align with Diaz’s stated desire for "real action."
Beyond the selection of opponents, Diaz also expressed interest in fighting on significant stages. When questioned about the possibility of participating in a UFC event slated for the White House on June 14, Diaz responded positively, stating, "That would be dope, too." This comment underscores his enduring appeal as a marquee fighter, always seeking the biggest platforms for his unique brand of combat.
The initial ripple of Diaz’s declaration quickly escalated into a direct confrontation with Dustin Poirier on social media. On Monday morning, Poirier took to Twitter to address Diaz’s comments, particularly the "p*ssy" remark, initiating a heated exchange that rapidly gained traction among combat sports enthusiasts. While the exact phrasing of Poirier’s initial tweet was not immediately available, it was sufficient to provoke a characteristic response from Diaz.
Diaz wasted no time in firing back, taking to the comments section of an MMA Fighting Instagram post reporting on his call-outs. His retort directly referenced the previously scheduled, but ultimately cancelled, bout between the two fighters, reigniting old grievances. "U didn’t fight me when u were supposed to fight me," Diaz wrote, his words cutting directly to the historical tension. "I was on contract, so I did my part. You did not." This succinct, yet pointed, response from Diaz underscores the unresolved animosity that has lingered between the two athletes since their unfulfilled 2018 booking, adding another layer of intrigue to a potential future clash. The screenshot of Diaz’s Instagram comment, dated February 16, 2026, further amplified the direct nature of the verbal sparring.
The challenges in bringing any of these matchups to fruition are considerable. Contractual obligations, fighter availability, and negotiating terms with different promotions (in Perry’s case) would require significant effort from the UFC. However, the sheer star power and fan demand associated with Nate Diaz, particularly when linked with names like McGregor, Poirier, and Perry, present a compelling case for the promotion to explore these possibilities. Diaz’s return, if realized against any of his stated targets, promises to deliver the "real action" that fans and the fighter himself crave.
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