Nate Diaz hasn’t given up on ending the saga with Conor McGregor! Diaz shocked the world when he submitted McGregor at UFC 196 in 2016, and while the Irishman avenged the loss at UFC 202 later in the year, the record between them stands at 1-1. However, the Stockton native is currently a free agent, as he chose not to re-sign with the promotion after his fight against Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in 2022.
But with ‘The Notorious’s long-awaited comeback now being confirmed, Diaz has hinted that there is a possibility the two men may conclude their story soon. In a recent interview during the press conference for his upcoming boxing match against Jorge Masvidal, the younger Diaz brother indicated that he still wants to settle the score with the Irishman and all he needs is the right timing!
During a recent media event for the promotion of the bout, Diaz was asked about McGregor. When posed with the question, “We know McGregor’s getting in the Octagon again, is there any chance that we ever get the McGregor fight?” Diaz responded by stating, “Yeah, at some point. Everything’s about timing and uh, I don’t plan on going nowhere so I believe…”. His comments are interesting as the UFC and CEO Dana White recently confirmed that Conor McGregor is finally returning to the Octagon on June 29th at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meanwhile, Nate Diaz is gearing up for a rematch against Jorge Masvidal, but this time, it’ll be inside the squared circle instead of the Octagon. The two had faced each other for the inaugural BMF title at UFC 244 in 2019, where ‘Gamebred’ secured the win with a TKO via doctor stoppage. The boxing match will take place on June 1 and will be a 10-round fight. And with Diaz’s free-agency, it will be interesting to see if he chooses to re-sign with the UFC to pursue the McGregor fight. In the same interview, the 39-year-old also revealed “Several more fights too, I want to fight Leon Edwards again too …”
Fight fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this epic rivalry, with the recent statements adding more intrigue to the tale! But for now, let’s shift our focus to Diaz’s upcoming opponent, Jorge Masvidal, who recently revealed the struggles that he has faced while negotiating their boxing match.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
‘Gamebred’ slams Diaz for making ridiculous demands
It seems there’s more than just punches being thrown between Diaz and Masvidal. The boxing match scheduled for June 1st at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles has already sparked controversy due to Diaz’s alleged demands. In his recent appearance on the MMA Hour, Masvidal stated, “At one point, because Vegas was booked out, a lot of places were booked out, New York was a strong possibility and he [Diaz] was like, ‘I won’t fight if it’s in New York. I won’t fight.’ I was like, what the f***?”
On the flip side, Diaz’s concern comes with good reason. Some of you might remember what happened the last time these two fought in New York. Their BMF title fight was halted by the doctor after checking the gash on Diaz’s eyebrow. Does Diaz not want to risk a similar outcome this time around? It’s a strong possibility considering the scar tissue the veteran has on his face.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Masvidal is coming in with a chip on his shoulder, having agreed to do things Diaz’s way. Will we see a highly motivated ‘Gamebred’ come June 1st? And do you think Nate Diaz will come back to the UFC to fight Conor McGregor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!