Nate Diaz is a name that resonates deeply within the MMA community. Known for his gritty fighting style, unrelenting cardio, and unapologetic personality, Diaz has been a fan favorite since he first stepped into the UFC spotlight. Born and raised in Stockton, California, Diaz began his UFC journey in 2007 after winning *The Ultimate Fighter 5*, quickly establishing himself as a force in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Over the years, he’s faced some of the biggest names in the sport, including Conor McGregor, whom he famously submitted in 2016, cementing his legacy as a true warrior of the octagon.
After a 15-year tenure with the UFC, Diaz fought out his contract with a memorable submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022. At 37 years old, he decided to test the waters outside the promotion, leaving the UFC to explore new challenges. Since then, Diaz has dipped his toes into the boxing world, taking on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in 2023 (where he suffered a loss) and later bouncing back with a win against former UFC star Jorge Masvidal in 2024. While these boxing matches kept him in the spotlight, Diaz hasn’t returned to mixed martial arts—until now, it seems.
Last week, at the age of 39, Diaz hinted at a potential comeback to the UFC, stating he wants to “go back and get a UFC title.” It’s a bold claim from a veteran who’s been away from the octagon for over two years and hasn’t competed in MMA since leaving the promotion. Diaz clearly feels he has unfinished business in the UFC, and his comments have sparked speculation about whether the promotion would welcome him back with open arms.
The UFC has a history of bringing back popular fighters, especially those like Diaz who still draw massive attention. His name carries weight—both for his in-cage performances and his ability to sell pay-per-views. But would the UFC be interested in re-signing him, especially as he approaches 40 with a mixed record in recent years? And more importantly, would fans like me—and you—be excited to see him step back into the octagon for one more run at glory?
The team at MMA Junkie tackled these very questions. Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura, Nolan King, and host “Gorgeous” George sat down to discuss Diaz’s potential return and what it could mean for his legacy and the UFC. Check out their full discussion in the video below and let me know in the comments what you think—would you tune in to watch Nate Diaz chase that elusive UFC title?
