Nate Diaz, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, has indicated that he has no immediate plans for retirement and has identified Charles Oliveira as his preferred opponent for his anticipated return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Diaz is set to make his comeback to MMA this weekend after a four-year absence, facing Mike Perry on the MVP and Netflix card. Ahead of this significant bout, Diaz shared his thoughts on his future with the UFC in an interview with Ariel Helwani. He clarified that he is hesitant to commit to long-term contracts that might restrict his ability to compete in other organizations.
However, once his current commitments outside the octagon are resolved, Diaz suggested that a return to the UFC is a strong possibility.
Nate Diaz Sets Sights on Charles Oliveira’s BMF Title
Nate Diaz has declared his intention to challenge the recently crowned BMF champion, Charles Oliveira, upon his UFC re-entry. Diaz did not appear impressed with Oliveira’s performance at UFC 326, where the Brazilian secured the BMF title by defeating Max Holloway primarily through wrestling. Following Oliveira’s victory, Diaz promptly stated his ambition to contend for that championship.
During his conversation with Ariel Helwani, Diaz explicitly named “Do Bronx” as the fighter he wishes to face when he steps back into the Octagon:
“It was hard to jump back in, something I tried so hard for so many years to get out of. I can’t just jump right back in… Oliveira out of everybody. I’m gonna go back and get that belt.”
Nate Diaz also commented on the possibility of a third fight with Conor McGregor. While he remains open to the idea, Diaz believes that now is not the opportune moment, suggesting that both he and McGregor have unfinished business to attend to before a trilogy bout would make sense.
English Translation:
Nate Diaz has no intention of retiring anytime soon and has pinpointed the fighter he’d most like to face when he makes his comeback to the UFC.
Diaz is scheduled to return to MMA competition this weekend after a four-year hiatus, featured on the MVP and Netflix card where he is slated to fight Mike Perry.
Leading up to this anticipated clash, Diaz was interviewed by Ariel Helwani and asked about his interest in re-signing with the UFC. The fighter from Stockton made it clear that he prefers not to be bound by contracts that would prevent him from competing in other promotions.
However, once he has concluded his business outside the octagon, fans might very well see him return to the UFC.
Nate Diaz is Coming for Charles Oliveira’s BMF Belt
Nate Diaz aims to face the newly crowned BMF champion, Charles Oliveira, upon his return to the UFC. Diaz expressed his disappointment with Oliveira’s performance at UFC 326, where the Brazilian opted for a wrestling-heavy strategy to dethrone Max Holloway and claim the BMF title. Immediately after Oliveira won the belt, Diaz made it known that he is targeting it.
During the aforementioned discussion with Ariel Helwani, Diaz identified “Do Bronx” as the fighter he would like to compete against when he returns to the octagon:
“It was hard to jump back in, something I tried so hard for so many years to get out of. I can’t just jump right back in… Oliveira out of everybody. I’m gonna go back and get that belt.”
Nate Diaz also stated in the same interview that a third bout with Conor McGregor is something he anticipates, but believes the timing isn’t right at present, as both he and “The Notorious” have unresolved matters to address before their potential rematch.