Nate Diaz Fuels UFC Return Rumours as White House Fight Card Takes Shape
Nate Diaz has ignited speculation about a potential return to the UFC, posting a cryptic message on social media amid growing anticipation for a historic fight card planned at the White House in June. The 40-year-old American fighter, who last competed in the UFC in 2022, took to Instagram on Wednesday to write, "Unfinished business," alongside a photo of the promotion's "Baddest Motherf*****" (BMF) title.
White House Event Details Emerge Amid Fighter Uncertainty
UFC president Dana White, a close friend of US president Donald Trump, is orchestrating an unprecedented event scheduled for 14 June, coinciding with Trump's 80th birthday and celebrations marking 250 years of the United States. The Octagon is set to be constructed on the South Lawn, with security measures including snipers on the White House roof, as revealed by White.
Ari Emanuel, CEO of the UFC's parent company TKO, has indicated there will be "six or seven" fights, with "3,000-4,000" attendees and additional viewing areas. Notably, no tickets will be sold for the event, according to TKO colleague Mark Shapiro. However, despite these logistical updates, White has yet to announce which fighters will compete, stating he is currently matchmaking with colleague Mick Maynard.
Diaz's Social Media Post Sparks Fan Theories
Diaz's Instagram post featured not only the BMF title image but also photos and videos highlighting iconic moments from his career, including his 2016 submission victory over Conor McGregor and his memorable point at Leon Edwards after rocking the British fighter in 2021. The post prompted numerous comments from fans referencing both the White House event and a potential trilogy bout with McGregor.
Since departing the UFC with a submission win over Tony Ferguson, Diaz has ventured into boxing, losing to YouTuber Jake Paul but defeating former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal, who stopped Diaz in the inaugural BMF title fight in 2019 and retired from mixed martial arts in 2023, has also expressed interest in competing at the White House event.
McGregor Connection and BMF Title Complications
The rivalry between Diaz and McGregor remains one of the most storied in UFC history, with Diaz submitting the Irish star in their first meeting before losing a decision five months later in 2016. Both fighters have been linked to a trilogy bout for years, with White consistently expressing interest despite Diaz's absence from the UFC and McGregor's own hiatus since 2021 due to a broken leg and legal issues.
McGregor, 37, remains eager to fight at the White House, though White has recently ruled out potential matchups against Colby Covington (one of Trump's favourite fighters), Masvidal, or Michael Chandler. The current BMF champion, Max Holloway, is scheduled to defend the title against Charles Oliveira on 7 March, both competing at lightweight. Given Diaz primarily fought at welterweight towards the end of his UFC career, a matchup against either Holloway or Oliveira seems unlikely.
As the White House event approaches, Diaz's social media activity has added another layer of intrigue to an already historic occasion, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the veteran fighter will indeed return to settle his "unfinished business" on one of combat sports' biggest stages.
