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Nate Diaz isn’t done with the UFC just yet. The fan-favorite veteran, known for his grit and raw authenticity, wants to return for one last shot at championship gold.
Diaz (21-13 MMA, 16-11 UFC) exited the promotion in 2022 after securing a submission win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. Seeking new challenges, he stepped into the boxing ring, where he had mixed results—losing to Jake Paul in 2023 but rebounding with a majority decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in 2024. Despite exploring other combat sports, Diaz feels his UFC journey remains incomplete.
“The legacy—I don’t think about it as done,” Diaz stated in a video shared on the Full Violence YouTube channel. “I think it’s underrated… I left more of an impact than anybody has.”
He acknowledged Conor McGregor and his brother Nick Diaz as major figures but noted that their contributions often go unrecognized.
"You might as well keep that sh*t going forever. That’s why I plan on fighting forever.”
Diaz’s rebellious attitude and relentless fighting style have made him a beloved figure since his days on The Ultimate Fighter Season 5 in 2007. Alongside his brother Nick, he built a cult-like following that elevated interest in their fights regardless of the outcome. Now, he believes his return could inject fresh energy into the UFC, which he claims is currently lacking in excitement.
“Well, everybody’s boring right now, so I’m trying to do other sht for the moment,” Diaz remarked. “But like, I want to go back and get a UFC title. I don’t want to fight for anything… Right now, nobody is doing a shot in the UFC.”
If Diaz does make his way back, he intends to compete at welterweight. However, he’s unimpressed with the current landscape, struggling to find a worthy opponent.
“There’s no buzz, nobody’s doing sh*t. There’s nobody to fight, everybody is wack. Every single body in boxing and MMA.”
With Diaz calling out the UFC’s lack of star power, the question remains—will the promotion give him a chance to complete his legacy with a title shot?