Nate Diaz Opts for Mike Perry Fight Over Conor McGregor Trilogy

Nate Diaz, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts (MMA), has chosen to fight Mike Perry at the inaugural Netflix MMA event on May 16, 2026, rather than returning to the UFC for a highly anticipated trilogy bout against Conor McGregor. Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from the UFC, Diaz expressed that the timing and opponent were not aligned with his goals. He stated, “I wanted to go back to the UFC... but the offers, the opponents, weren't the right opponents.”

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Diaz has set his sights on Charles Oliveira, the current UFC 'Baddest Motherf*cker' champion, who recently won the title by defeating Max Holloway. Diaz, who was instrumental in creating the BMF belt in 2019, emphasized his desire to reclaim it, stating, “I want to fight the best of the best when they are the best of the best.” He believes that a fight with Oliveira is more meaningful than a third encounter with McGregor, who he feels is currently not at his peak.

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Diaz has been vocal about his reservations regarding McGregor's current fighting condition, referencing McGregor's recent losses and injury. He remarked, “Conor McGregor just f*cking lost to [Dustin] Poirier... I’m not trying to be the ending to some f*cker’s story like that.” This sentiment reflects Diaz's intention to avoid fighting McGregor while he is perceived to be on the decline, preferring instead to face opponents who are at their best.

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Diaz's decision to fight Perry stems from his respect for Perry's recent accomplishments in bare-knuckle boxing, where he has gained notoriety as the "King of Violence." Diaz noted, “I’m a lot more enthusiastic about getting up and running and training for this motherf*cker.” He sees this matchup as a significant challenge and an opportunity to showcase his skills on a new platform.

Nate Diaz Chooses Netflix Fight Over UFC Return vs. Conor McGregor

While Diaz is currently focused on his fight with Perry, he has not ruled out a future fight with McGregor. He stated, “Me and Conor will fight again when the time is right... not when someone’s dying out.” Diaz's approach indicates a strategic mindset, prioritizing fights that align with his career aspirations and personal values.

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Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, confirmed that there were discussions regarding Diaz's return to the promotion, but Diaz's decision reflects his desire for agency in choosing opponents. Diaz reiterated, “I want to fight the best of the best when they are the best of the best,” underscoring his commitment to competitive integrity in his career.

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Nate Diaz is set to face Mike Perry on May 16, 2026, in what promises to be a significant event for both fighters. Following this bout, Diaz has expressed interest in pursuing a matchup with Charles Oliveira, indicating that his ambitions extend beyond the immediate fight landscape.

Nate Diaz Chooses Netflix Fight Over UFC Return vs. Conor McGregor