Nate Diaz Lists Down Wishlist for Potential Comeback Fight at White House

UFC legend Nate Diaz lists out opponents for potential return at UFC White House event slated for June 14th 2026.

Nate Diaz Lists Down Wishlist for Potential Comeback Fight at White House

Nate Diaz reveals potential opponents for UFC White House (via MMA Mania, BBC)

The upcoming UFC White House event in June 2026 has brought the MMA world to a standstill as the sport awaits official announcements from the promotion. Fighters and fans alike are watching closely to see which legends and reigning champions could return for the historic card at the White House.

With speculation building, Nate Diaz has made it clear he plans to compete and already has a list of opponents in mind. The Stockton native last competed in the UFC at UFC 279 in September 2022, where he submitted Tony Ferguson with a fourth-round guillotine choke to finish his contract.

He then made his professional boxing debut in August 2023 against Jake Paul, losing by unanimous decision over 10 rounds. In July 2024, Diaz returned to the ring and avenged his 2019 UFC loss to Jorge Masvidal by securing a majority decision victory.

However, Diaz recently reignited interest in a return to the Octagon by signaling his willingness to compete on the UFC White House card. He initially hinted at challenging for the BMF title following the outcome of the bout between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway at UFC 326. However, his more recent comments about potential opponents have shifted the focus toward settling existing rivalries.

I’m ready to get back in real action. I want to fight either McGregor 3. I wanna fight maybe Dustin Poirier, if he stops being such a (expletive), and then maybe Mike Perry. We’ll see what happens in the future.

Nate Diaz via TMZ Sports

Diaz’s rivalry with Conor McGregor began in 2016 when they headlined two major UFC events at 170lbs in the form of UFC 196 and UFC 202. Diaz won the first bout by submission, while the Irishman claimed a majority decision in the rematch. With the series tied 1-1, a third fight would determine the clear winner of their trilogy. Diaz has identified the White House card as the stage for that deciding matchup due to its historic spotlight.

While Mike Perry found limited success during his UFC tenure, he rebuilt his profile under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship banner. Competing primarily in bare-knuckle boxing, Perry captured and defended the promotion’s “King of Violence” title. His performances in that format elevated his standing. Perry has also called out the Stockton legend for a bout under the Dirty Boxing banner.

The Stockton veteran’s rivalry with Dustin Poirier has stretched over several years, with a previously scheduled bout falling through due to injury.

Poirier has indicated Diaz is the only opponent he would consider coming out of retirement to face under the Zuffa Boxing banner to make up for their cancelled bout. It remains to be seen whether the UFC will entertain any of these matchups for Nate Diaz’s potential return on June 14th.

Dustin Poirier replies to Nate Diaz’s UFC White House callout

Dustin Poirier last competed in the Octagon in July 2025, when he retired following his final lightweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 318. The fight marked the end of a UFC career that included multiple title challenges and top-ranking performances across the division. There has been significant discussion about the possibility of a return to fighting, whether in mixed martial arts or another platform.

Dustin Poirier Nate Diaz
Dustin Poirier Nate Diaz (via BJ Penn)

The rivalry between Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz remains unsettled, with their long-discussed matchup never taking place inside or outside the cage. Diaz was viewed as a potential opponent for Poirier’s retirement fight, but he ultimately declined the opportunity. That history resurfaced when ‘The Diamond’ responded with a three-word reply to Diaz’s recent White House card callout.

Belt to a** @NateDiaz209.

Dustin Poirier via X

Poirier had been considered a fan-favorite to return for the UFC White House event, with many speculating about a high-profile matchup against Diaz. However, the Louisiana native revealed he would not pass a drug test for a return, as he is fully retired. This removes Poirier as an option for the historic card and significantly diminishes Nate Diaz’s plans for a potential matchup on the June 14th card.

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