Nate Diaz Shuts Down UFC's Push for McGregor Trilogy Fight
Fans hoping for a dream match between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz will have to wait indefinitely, as Diaz has firmly rejected the UFC's offer for a trilogy bout. McGregor, one of combat sports' biggest draws, continues to face delays in his return, while Diaz has made it clear that a third fight is not on his agenda at this time.
Diaz Questions McGregor's Current Form and Timing
In a candid appearance on the This Past Weekend podcast, Nate Diaz did not hold back when discussing his decision to turn down the UFC's proposal. He openly questioned the timing and McGregor's condition following his loss to Dustin Poirier and a subsequent leg injury.
"For instance, I think that if I went back to UFC, they want me to fight Conor McGregor right now," Diaz said. "Conor McGregor just lost to Poirier. He got knocked out on his ass. Poirier knocks his ass out, and then he breaks his leg, which is horrible. I don't wish that on anybody. I hope he comes back and does good."
Diaz emphasized that he has no interest in facing McGregor during a low point in his career. "I want to fight the best of the best when they are the best of the best. Conor's great, but I'm not trying to go kill off Conor when he's on his last dying leg, literally. I'm not trying to be the ending to some f***er's story like that. We ain't friends, but I ain't trying to finish this dude off."
Diaz Chooses Mike Perry Over McGregor for Upcoming Fight
Instead of revisiting old rivalries, Diaz has opted for a new challenge. He is set to face Mike Perry on Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions card, citing enthusiasm for a fresh and violent matchup.
"The UFC is like, 'OK, we want you to come back, and maybe later we'll do that,'" Diaz explained. "I'm like, OK, well, you know who's doing a good job? Close to the same amount offer for Mike Perry, who's the most violent motherf***er around right now. 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 ass out, and we're going to take who's the bigger dog."
Diaz will fight Perry in a 5-round, 170-pound MMA match scheduled for May 16, 2026, marking a significant departure from the anticipated McGregor trilogy.
Future Possibility of McGregor-Diaz Trilogy Remains Open
Despite the current rejection, Diaz hinted that a fight with McGregor is not off the table forever. He stressed that any future bout must occur when both fighters are at their peak, not during a decline.
"Me and Conor will fight again when the time is right, and it's to fight, but it's going to be when we're both on the uprising," Diaz said. "Not when someone's dying out. I'm nobody's comeback story either."
For now, the chances of a trilogy are slim to none, as Diaz focuses on his upcoming match with Perry, leaving McGregor's return plans uncertain amid ongoing roadblocks.
