Nate Diaz, the former UFC standout, is planning his return to competition in both mixed martial arts and boxing during 2025. Despite remaining inactive for more than a year since his last boxing win over Jorge Masvidal, Diaz is eyeing notable opponents as he prepares for his comeback.
Following his departure from the UFC after a victory against Tony Ferguson at UFC 279, Diaz has yet to re-enter the Octagon or boxing ring this year. However, he has outlined several potential fights, including a possible UFC return pending negotiations.
Diaz Hopes for Conor McGregor’s Return to Set Up UFC Trilogy
Both Diaz and his longtime rival Conor McGregor are expected to make comebacks to combat sports soon. McGregor is reportedly aiming to fight at the UFC event planned for 2026 at The White House.
Diaz recently shared his thoughts on potential opponents during an appearance on the Out Cold podcast. He expressed that McGregor remains his primary target, emphasizing the appeal of facing him again if McGregor returns.
If I could fight anybody right now, I would fight — with all due respect to them — if Conor McGregor came back. S—, Conor McGregor,
Diaz said.
He added,
“There ain’t nobody else to fight, really, right now. I would like for him to come back and impress everybody first. Not that he needs to, but it would be great to see him back. Everybody’s hating on him. I’d like to beat up somebody on top of the world, and I think he’s got the capability to do that.”
Besides McGregor, Diaz is also interested in a matchup with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, despite acknowledging Topuria’s smaller stature.
Then that little Ilia Topuria, he’s doing a really good job,
Diaz remarked.
He’s a little small for me, but those two are probably the best fights.
On the boxing side, Diaz named top stars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford as fighters he would like to challenge.
And then on the boxing side, obviously Canelo or Crawford. I ain’t asking for nothing, but when I whoop someone’s a–, I’m gonna get them m———–, too,
Diaz declared.
With all due respect. That’s my plan.
Recent Fight History and Contract Developments
In 2023, Diaz secured a majority decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match. Despite interest from Bare Knuckle FC, contract discussions have stalled in recent months, leaving his next steps uncertain.
Josh Thomson, the only fighter to have knocked Diaz out—via head kick in 2013—has challenged Diaz to a boxing rematch, adding another possible chapter to Diaz’s combat career.
Ilia Topuria recently won the UFC lightweight title at UFC 317, while Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford are set to clash later this year in a major boxing event.
Ilia Topuria Considers Welterweight Move Following Diaz’s Interest
Topuria aims to become the UFC’s first three-division champion, although this pursuit has encountered delays due to promises made to UFC matchmakers. A fight against Nate Diaz would likely attract attention as Topuria readies for his first lightweight title defense.
Historically, Diaz scored one of the biggest upsets in UFC history at UFC 196 by handing McGregor his first Octagon loss, though McGregor avenged that with a narrow majority decision victory at UFC 202.
With Diaz now 40 years old, the window is narrowing for another significant UFC run. Yet, his interest in facing Topuria, along with potential boxing bouts against Crawford and Alvarez, keeps speculation alive around his future fights.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a professional mixed martial artist from Georgia and Spain. He fights in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.