Nate Diaz has provided a detailed explanation for his decision to reject a potential trilogy fight with Conor McGregor, opting instead to sign a lucrative deal with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions. The former UFC welterweight star, who last fought in the octagon in 2022, has announced his MMA return, but it will not be under the UFC banner.
Diaz's Reasoning Behind the Rejection
In a recent interview, Diaz revealed that he was interested in a UFC comeback only if it involved a bout for the 'BMF' title against Charles Oliveira, not McGregor. Oliveira recently won the belt by defeating Max Holloway, and Diaz feels he has unfinished business with the title, having lost to Jorge Masvidal in the inaugural 'BMF' fight in 2019.
"I believe they wanted me to come back and fight Conor McGregor, not Oliveira," Diaz stated. He emphasized his role in creating value in the division, saying, "I started this whole thing, me. That's my belt you're wearing around your hips."
New Deal and Upcoming Fight
Diaz has signed with Most Valuable Promotions and is set to face former UFC rival Mike Perry on the undercard of the Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano event at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on May 16. He admitted that the opportunity to compete on Netflix was a significant factor in his decision, as it aligns with his goal of showcasing real MMA entertainment.
Regarding his motivation, Diaz said, "I'm a lot more enthusiastic to get up and train for this motherf***er who's going to knock me out or I'm going to knock his a** out." He also expressed his intent to pursue a rematch with Jake Paul, following their 2023 boxing match where Paul won by points.
Future Plans and Industry Impact
Diaz highlighted his independence in the sport, noting that he is not working for MVP but rather for himself, with plans to target Jake Paul in future bouts. His move signals a shift in the MMA landscape, as he aims to demonstrate how to organize compelling fight shows outside the UFC framework.
This decision has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the evolving dynamics of combat sports promotions and fighter autonomy. Diaz's career trajectory continues to influence trends in boxing and MMA, with his upcoming fight anticipated to draw significant attention.
