There was a time not long ago when it looked like Nate Diaz might return to the UFC. According to Dana White, those discussions actually happened. Speaking after a recent Fight Night press conference, White confirmed that Diaz had met with him just weeks before signing for his upcoming fight in May.
Nate Diaz is now set to return on May 16, where he will face fellow UFC veteran Mike Perry under Jake Paul’s MVP banner on Netflix. It will be his first MMA fight since 2022, when he defeated Tony Ferguson in what turned out to be his final bout under the UFC banner after a long 15-year run.
Since entering free agency, Diaz has taken his time before stepping back into competition. His return has drawn attention, not just because of the opponent, but because of the platform and the deal behind it.
“Yeah he came in and met with me a couple of weeks ago,” White said. “We had a good time, and I think Nate just got an offer he couldn’t refuse. I haven’t talked to him since then. But I’m happy for him.”
Even though talks did happen, Dana White didn’t sound too confident about a reunion happening anytime soon. When asked whether Nate Diaz could return to the UFC in the future, he kept things open but vague.
“I don’t know,” White said. “Let him do his thing, and we’ll see how the fight plays out. We’ll see what happens.”
It’s not a yes, but it’s not a no either. For now, it seems the UFC is willing to wait and see how things unfold.
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🚨 Dana White says he met with Nate Diaz to talk about a return to the UFC, but he "got an offer he couldn't refuse" from MVP
"I'm happy for him." pic.twitter.com/ZYcTsjNSA0
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 22, 2026
Joe Rogan suggests massive payday for Nate Diaz
One of the biggest talking points around Nate Diaz’s return is the money involved. Joe Rogan recently suggested that Diaz could be earning more than $10 million for this fight.
If that figure is anywhere close to accurate, it explains a lot. Matching that kind of payday would be difficult for most promotions, even one as big as the UFC. For a veteran like Diaz, this move looks as much about business as it does about fighting.
At this point, everything depends on how Diaz performs in May. A strong showing could open more doors outside the UFC, while also keeping the possibility of a return alive. For now, though, he seems focused on this next chapter and clearly, it’s one he felt was worth taking.
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