Nate Diaz Has Options in Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira After Netflix Fight Against Mike Perry

Nate Diaz knows who he wants to face in his UFC return fight with Charles Oliveira and Conor McGregor appearing as viable options.

Nate Diaz Has Options in Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira After Netflix Fight Against Mike Perry

Nate Diaz has Conor McGregor and Charles Oliveira as options for his UFC return [via UFC.com, Yahoo Sports, and, MMA Weekly]

In Short
  • Nate Diaz is set to return to MMA against Mike Perry, marking his first fight outside the UFC since 2006.
  • Diaz prefers to fight Charles Oliveira for his UFC comeback, citing timing issues with a potential Conor McGregor matchup.
  • He expressed no interest in facing retired fighters like Dustin Poirier, emphasizing his desire to compete against active opponents.

Nate Diaz is all set to make his MMA return as he faces Mike Perry in MVP’s inaugural card on Netflix this weekend. This marks Diaz’s first bout not under the UFC banner since 2006. As the ‘Stockton Slugger’ prepares for his upcoming bout, he is also looking to make a return to the UFC in the future.

Diaz told Ariel Helwani that he had contemplated re-signing with his former employers until MVP came calling. Diaz explained that he and the UFC share a great relationship following his 15-year tenure with the company, despite his departure to pursue boxing in 2023. He then outlined a recent meeting with the promotion to facilitate his MMA return.

Diaz revealed that he expected his return fight to be a trilogy fight against the ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor. However, it appears the younger Diaz brother was not on board with being the comeback fight for the Irishman.

I know that they wanted the Conor [McGregor] fight right now, and that’s not what they were offering. They were insinuating [but] they didn’t offer it, but I think that’s what they wanted, and I’m like, I’m not trying to be [the] comeback story for Conor.

Nate Diaz via the Ariel Helwani Show

Later on, during this appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Diaz revealed Charles Oliveira as the opponent he prefers for his comeback fight. It seems Diaz really wants to get the BMF belt after losing out on it in his first shot against Jorge Masvidal. Interestingly, ‘Do Bronx’ was not a part of Nate Diaz’s “wish list” when he revealed who he wanted to face in a hypothetical UFC return at the White House.

Right now, [Charles] Oliveira out of everybody. That’s what I wanted, that’s why I’m gonna go back and get that [BMF] belt. I’m gonna fight this, and they’re like not interested  and wanted to give me Conor. I want to fight Conor, but right now, it’s not the time. Everything’s about timing.

Nate Diaz via the Ariel Helwani Show

Nate Diaz expressed his desire to fight the best in the world upon his UFC return. To that end, Charles Oliveira seems to be a good starting point for Diaz. The Brazilian BMF champion dominated Max Holloway in his last fight and obliterated Mateusz Gamrot in the fight before that. With those wins, ‘Do Bronx’ has proved that he is still among the UFC’s elite despite his losses.

However, there is a fighter on the Diaz wish list who recently expressed his interest in wanting to fight the Stockton Slugger — Dustin Poirier. But Diaz has a strict condition that needs to be met before going for that fight.

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Nate Diaz reveals conditions for accepting Dustin Poirier fight

Dustin Poirier retired last year after losing to former BMF champion Max Holloway at UFC 318. It was an emotional affair as his fans, peers and rivals alike joined in to wish him a happy retirement. However, recently, Poirier admitted that he would come out of retirement to “whip” Nate Diaz.

Nate Diaz, Dustin Poirier
Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier face off [via Yahoo Sports]

Ariel Helwani asked Diaz about facing the now-retired lightweight. The 41-year-old responded by reiterating his desire to only fight the best in the world, expressing no desire to fight a retired Poirier.

I am [interested] if he gets in there and starts fighting people. I don’t fight retired fighters…Get back in the game and start squabbling with people.

Nate Diaz via the Ariel Helwani Show

It appears Nate Diaz has the same stance for both Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. He is only willing to fight them if they end their MMA hiatus and fight other competition. Nonetheless, Dustin Poirier vs Nate Diaz will go down as one of the biggest missed opportunities at lightweight.

A fight between the two was very close to materializing, with Poirier sharing that he was once offered the fight on a day’s notice. Diaz was even touted as a potential opponent for the Diamond’s retirement. However, the fight simply never came together, and it doesn’t appear as if it is going to, based on their comments.

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