Nate Diaz has reportedly dismissed the notion of completing a trilogy fight against former UFC double champion Conor McGregor, explicitly stating he has no interest in serving as McGregor’s “comeback story.” Diaz is set to make his long-awaited return to MMA after a four-year hiatus, facing Mike Perry on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Conor McGregor, for his part, has also been out of action for nearly five years. The Irish superstar is expected to make his highly anticipated comeback in July, during International Fight Week.
Nate Diaz Explains Refusal for Potential Conor McGregor Trilogy
Prior speculation suggested that McGregor’s return might finally lead to the long-awaited third bout with Nate Diaz, intended to settle their tied 1-1 record. However, Diaz, the Stockton native, currently shows no inclination to reignite the rivalry with McGregor.
In a recent discussion with Theo Von, Diaz clarified that a future fight between him and “The Notorious” could happen, but only when the circumstances are right. He emphatically stated that he would not be McGregor’s return opponent. Instead, Diaz expressed a desire to face the Irishman once McGregor has overcome his recent two-fight losing streak and is back in prime form.
Diaz elaborated on his perspective: “Me and Conor will fight again when the time is right, but it’s going to be when we’re both on the uprise, not when someone’s dying out. I’m not nobody’s comeback story.” He further revealed that the UFC had initially approached him about fighting McGregor, not Charles Oliveira. Diaz explained that while the promotion hinted at a McGregor fight later, he felt more enthusiasm for his immediate challenge. He pointed to Mike Perry, describing him as “the most violent mf,” expressing his eagerness for a bout where “I’m gonna knock him out, or he’s gonna knock me out.”