Nate Diaz's highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts has been officially confirmed, with the veteran fighter set to face fellow UFC alumnus Mike Perry on 16 May. This welterweight clash will serve as a key undercard bout for the Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano event, organised by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.
Diaz's Comeback and the McGregor Trilogy Question
The announcement of Diaz's comeback appears to definitively quash any lingering speculation about a potential summer showdown with his long-time rival, Conor McGregor. Diaz, now 40 years old, has not competed in MMA since his 2022 submission victory over Tony Ferguson, which marked his exit from the UFC. Since departing the promotion, he has engaged in two boxing matches, securing a decision win against Jorge Masvidal in 2024 after a loss to Jake Paul in 2023.
Event Details and Fighter Profiles
The event, scheduled to take place in Inglewood, California, features a headline act that sees UFC legend Ronda Rousey competing for the first time in a decade, against Gina Carano, another pioneer of women's MMA who last fought in 2009. Additionally, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to battle Philipe Lins on the same card.
Diaz expressed his enthusiasm for returning to action in a press release, stating, "Glad to be back in action, it's time. Don't forget where this all came from. I got plans on doing a lot more in the next 10 years, no matter where it is. Time to set the bar again, so get ready for a new takeover again and again until the end of time." His remarks have sparked hope among fans that a UFC return might still be on the horizon, though the immediate focus remains on his bout with Perry.
Implications for Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor, who has been inactive since July 2021 due to a broken leg sustained in his loss to Dustin Poirier, had been rumoured for a potential trilogy fight with Diaz. McGregor's history with Diaz includes a submission defeat in March 2016 and a points victory in their rematch five months later. With McGregor not featuring on the UFC's White House card in June, some had speculated he might headline an event during International Fight Week in July, with Diaz as a possible opponent.
However, Diaz's commitment to the May fight makes a summer trilogy with McGregor extremely unlikely. McGregor, 37, holds a UFC record of 10-4 and is a former featherweight and lightweight champion, having made history as the promotion's first dual-weight titleholder. In contrast, Diaz's UFC record stands at 16-11, while Perry's was 7-8 during his tenure from 2016 to 2021.
Perry's Background and McGregor's Interests
Mike Perry, 34, also has a history with Jake Paul, having suffered a stoppage loss to him in a 2024 boxing match. Interestingly, McGregor has previously shown interest in facing Perry, but in the context of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where Perry is an undefeated champion. McGregor became a part-owner of BKFC in 2024, adding another layer to the complex web of fighter rivalries and promotional ties.
As the MMA community digests this news, the focus shifts to Diaz's return and the star-studded event in May, while fans of the sport must wait longer for any potential resolution to the McGregor-Diaz saga.
