Nate Diaz is officially returning to mixed martial arts. The Stockton native will face Mike Perry in a five round welterweight bout on May 16 in Los Angeles as part of a blockbuster event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions.
The fight will take place at the Intuit Dome and will stream live globally on Netflix. Diaz versus Perry joins a historic lineup that already features Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano in the main event and a heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins.
The card marks the first MMA event produced by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports company founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. With several well known names appearing on the same night, the event is shaping up to be one of the most high profile MMA cards in recent years.
Nate Diaz returns to the cage after a long MMA absence
For Nate Diaz, the bout represents a return to the sport where he built his reputation.
The 40 year old last competed in MMA in September 2022 at UFC 279, where he submitted Tony Ferguson in the fourth round in the final fight of his UFC contract. Since leaving the promotion, Diaz has remained active in combat sports while exploring opportunities outside the Octagon.
He stepped into professional boxing in 2023 for a highly publicized matchup with Jake Paul, losing a decision after ten rounds. Diaz returned to the ring in 2024 and earned a close majority decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in a rematch between the longtime rivals.
Despite exploring boxing and launching his own promotion, Real Fight Inc., Diaz never ruled out a return to MMA. The upcoming bout against Perry signals that the veteran still intends to compete at a high level.
Diaz confirmed his excitement about the comeback while discussing his long term plans in combat sports.
Mike Perry steps back into MMA after BKFC success
Mike Perry enters the fight after reinventing himself in the bare knuckle boxing world.
The 34 year old previously competed in the UFC where he built a reputation as one of the promotion’s most aggressive fighters. After a 2021 departure from the organization, Perry shifted his focus to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and quickly became one of its biggest attractions.
Perry has gone undefeated in BKFC competition while collecting victories over several recognizable names. His wins include bouts against Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, Thiago Alves, and Jeremy Stephens.
The hard hitting striker has also competed in boxing and faced Jake Paul in 2024. While he suffered a stoppage loss in that contest, Perry continued to build momentum in bare knuckle competition and eventually captured the organization’s “King of Violence” title.
Now he returns to MMA for the first time in several years with a matchup that promises to be a physical battle.
Perry did not hide his intentions heading into the fight.
A stacked fight card featuring major combat sports names
Diaz versus Perry is only one part of an ambitious event designed to showcase some of the most recognizable fighters in combat sports.
The card will be headlined by the long awaited clash between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Both fighters played key roles in the early growth of women’s MMA and their matchup has been discussed for years.
The co main event will feature former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou against Brazilian veteran Philipe Lins.
Together, the three fights form a rare lineup that blends stars from different eras and promotions. For Most Valuable Promotions, the card represents a major step as the company expands beyond boxing.
MVP and Netflix expand deeper into combat sports
The event also highlights the growing relationship between Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix.
MVP has already produced several high profile boxing events in partnership with the streaming platform. The company now plans to bring MMA to the same global audience following the success of its previous shows.
Executives believe the combination of star power and global streaming access could deliver record viewership for a combat sports event.
Nakisa Bidarian, the CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, described the fight card as a defining moment for the promotion’s expansion into mixed martial arts.
A matchup built on pressure and durability
From a stylistic standpoint, Diaz versus Perry presents an intriguing contrast.
Diaz built his reputation on relentless pressure, high level boxing combinations, and one of the most durable chins in MMA history. His ability to maintain a high pace for five rounds has been a key part of his success throughout his career.
Perry brings a different kind of threat. Known for his knockout power and aggressive approach, he thrives in chaotic exchanges and often looks to end fights with explosive striking.
With both fighters known for toughness and forward pressure, the bout could become one of the most entertaining matchups on the card.
The May 16 event in Los Angeles will reveal whether Diaz can make a successful return to the cage or whether Perry can add another major victory to his combat sports resume. Either way, the matchup places two of the sport’s most recognizable personalities back under the MMA spotlight.
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