Nate Diaz has made it clear that he is ready to step back into the UFC spotlight, and he is not short on ambition. Speaking to TMZ Sports, the 40 year old veteran laid out his preferred opponents for a possible return at the upcoming UFC White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026.
Diaz did not hedge his words. He said he wants to fight Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, or Mike Perry, framing the moment as a return to what he called real action rather than exhibitions or crossover bouts.
Nate Diaz Wants a Return on the Biggest Stage
Nate Diaz has not competed inside the UFC Octagon since September 2022, when he submitted Tony Ferguson before exiting the promotion. Since then, he has stayed active outside the organization, most recently defeating Jorge Masvidal in a boxing rematch in July 2024.
Now, Diaz says the timing feels right to come back.
I’m ready to get back in real action, Diaz said. I want to fight either McGregor, maybe Dustin Poirier, and maybe Mike Perry.
The callout comes as the UFC prepares a highly unusual event on the South Lawn of the White House. The card is set to coincide with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and celebrations marking 250 years since the founding of the United States.
A Trilogy With Conor McGregor Still Looms
A third fight with Conor McGregor remains one of the most commercially powerful matchups in UFC history. Diaz and McGregor split their first two meetings, with Diaz submitting McGregor in 2016 and McGregor winning the rematch by decision later that year.
McGregor has not fought since suffering a leg injury in his July 2021 loss to Poirier, but the rivalry with Diaz continues to hold appeal. For Diaz, the idea of settling the score on a global stage like the White House appears to be part of the draw.
While no official talks have been confirmed, the mere mention of McGregor instantly elevates any potential return.
Poirier Responds as Old Tension Resurfaces
Diaz’s comments about Dustin Poirier reignited a long simmering feud that never turned into a fight. Poirier has recently teased a possible comeback after stepping away following high profile losses to Islam Makhachev and Max Holloway.
Poirier acknowledged the callout on social media, signaling at least some openness to the idea. A matchup between the two would pit Diaz’s pressure and durability against Poirier’s technical boxing and power, offering a stylistic contrast that has intrigued fans for years.
Whether Poirier chooses to return remains an open question, but Diaz’s challenge has clearly put the matchup back into public discussion.
Mike Perry Adds an Unpredictable Option
The inclusion of Mike Perry adds an entirely different flavor to Diaz’s wish list. Perry reinvented his career in bare knuckle boxing after leaving the UFC, going undefeated in BKFC with wins over several former UFC fighters.
A potential clash between Diaz and Perry would carry obvious intensity and personality, even if it lacks the traditional rankings implications of the other options. Perry is currently a free agent and has expressed interest in returning to mixed martial arts under the right circumstances.
For Diaz, Perry represents a fight that prioritizes spectacle and edge over legacy.
UFC White House Card Takes Shape
UFC president Dana White has confirmed that the White House card is largely built, with six to seven fights planned. White is expected to meet with President Trump to finalize production and logistical details in the coming days.
The limited number of slots makes Diaz’s interest particularly notable. His name recognition and history of drawing attention could make him a strong candidate if negotiations align.
Diaz also expressed enthusiasm for the setting itself, saying he would be interested in competing at the White House if the opportunity arises.
Diaz Shifts Focus Back to MMA
While Nate Diaz has spoken respectfully about his recent boxing ventures, including offering praise to Jake Paul after his loss to Anthony Joshua, he made it clear that his priorities are changing.
He said he wants a real fight for the right price, signaling a return to mixed martial arts rather than another crossover event. At this stage of his career, Diaz appears focused on meaningful matchups and iconic moments rather than titles.
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