Nate Diaz opens up on decision to reject UFC return against Conor McGregor

April 1, 2026 Oliver Obel

Nate Diaz has turned down a potential UFC return against Conor McGregor, choosing instead to face Mike Perry in a separate event as he steps back into competition.

The 40-year-old has not fought in the UFC since submitting Tony Ferguson in September 2022. Rather than re-signing with the promotion, Diaz will compete on May 16 in a welterweight bout promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and streamed on Netflix.

The fight, scheduled for five five-minute rounds, is part of a card headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano.

Speaking after the announcement, Diaz made clear he intends to make another statement. “Glad to be back in action. It’s time,” he said. “Time to set the bar again, so get ready for a new takeover again and again until the end of time.”

UFC negotiations ended despite stronger financial offer

UFC president Dana White confirmed that discussions had taken place regarding a possible return, but negotiations ultimately broke down.

According to talkSPORT, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said Diaz received a more lucrative offer from the UFC than from MVP.

“I will say that the offer that he had from us was not as lucrative as the offer he had from the UFC,” Bidarian said, adding that Diaz’s decision to join the Netflix-backed event was ultimately a personal one.

Diaz chose different opponent over McGregor trilogy

Diaz later explained that the UFC had been pushing for a third fight with McGregor rather than a matchup with newly crowned BMF champion Charles Oliveira.

“I believe they wanted me to come back and fight Conor McGregor, not Oliveira,” Diaz said.

He framed his stance around legacy and recognition, adding: “I’m going to fight for my belt that I created… That’s my belt you’re wearing around your hips.”

Diaz and McGregor are tied 1–1 following their two fights in 2016, making a trilogy one of the UFC’s most marketable options. However, Diaz indicated his priorities lie elsewhere at this stage of his career.

Perry matchup provides greater competitive appeal

Despite the UFC’s stronger financial offer, Diaz suggested the matchup with Perry was more motivating from a competitive standpoint.

“I’m a lot more enthusiastic to get up and run and get ready to train for this motherf*er who’s going to knock me out or I’m going to knock his a out,” he said.

Diaz also stressed that he is operating independently rather than aligning himself fully with MVP.

“I’m not working for MVP like all these motherf***ers are. I’m a UFC fighter, I’m working for me,” he said, adding that he remains interested in a future fight with Jake Paul.

Shift away from traditional UFC pathway

Diaz’s decision reflects a broader trend of high-profile fighters exploring opportunities outside the UFC, particularly as new platforms invest in combat sports.

With a Netflix-backed event and a high-visibility opponent in Perry, Diaz is choosing a route that offers both exposure and control over his next move rather than returning on the UFC’s terms.

Sources: talkSPORT, SPORTbible