After years out of the promotion, Nate Diaz is planning a spectacular return to the UFC to take on one of their rising stars.
In 2022, Nate Diaz competed in his final UFC fight when he took on Tony Ferguson in the final fight of his contract, going out on his terms, winning the fight via submission.
Since then, the Stockton combat sports legend has taken his talents to the sport of boxing, and in 2023, he fought Jake Paul, taking him to a decision in which he lost.
And after a rematch against Jorge Masvidal inside the boxing ring last July, Diaz is now hopeful of a return back to the UFC, and he is targeting the top of the lightweight division.
Will Nate Diaz ever return to the UFC and who would you want to see him face?
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Diaz targeting spectacular return fight against Paddy Pimblett
Fortunately for the 40-year-old, he has maintained a strong relationship with the UFC and Dana White, and the door never seemed fully closed on a potential return.
Over the last few years, it seemed highly likely that Diaz would return for a fight against former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, however, the fight never came to fruition.
However, after years out of the Octagon, Diaz recently revealed that he is targeting a potentially sensational comeback to take on popular Brit, Paddy Pimblett.
‘The Baddy’ is set to take on Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in an interim lightweight title fight after it was announced that Ilia Topuria will briefly step away from the sport.
What is your favorite moment from Justin Gaethje’s UFC career so far?
‘The Highlight’ will look to add another memorable win to his record against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324.
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In a video on his Instagram, Diaz was asked who he is fighting next, to which he replied: “S—, I’m looking at Pimblett. Probably Pimblett.”
Of course, it is highly unlikely that the 40-year-old would be matched up against the interim title challenger regardless of Pimblett’s result against Gaethje.
Fans rip Diaz for wanting Pimblett fight
Despite being extremely popular amongst the fanbase, Diaz has been ripped for claiming that he would like to return to fight ‘The Baddy’.
“Bro never gives anyone realistic,” one fan said.
“About as delusional as making Paddy vs Gaethje the interim title fight,” another fan commented.
In his last four fights under the UFC banner, Diaz finished with a record of 2-2, with losses to Leon Edwards and the aforementioned Masvidal.
“Keep dreaming,” a third fan told Diaz.
“Nate always has a way of working himself into conversation,” another fan noticed.
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