Even though Nate Diaz is not on the UFC roster, there’s been no shortage of talk about if and when Stockon’s favorite little brother will return to the Octagon.
Nate Diaz himself threw more fuel on the fire with a social media post hinting at another appearance for his longtime promoter. Instead of adding depth to the historic UFC 300 card, Nate Diaz is considering another landmark event: UFC 306.
Related: Nate Diaz Next Fight: 3 Opponent Options for the UFC Legend Including a Jorge Masvidal Rematch
During this past weekend’s Fight Night card from Mexico City, the company announced that UFC 306 will take place on September 16 and serve as its annual Noche UFC event to commemorate Mexican Independence Day.
This year’s Noche UFC will mark the first event held at the newly opened Sphere in Las Vegas, a $2.3 billion arena that features 160,000 sq ft of high-resolution LED screens.
On Sunday, the former title challenger with Mexican roots tweeted an image of the Sphere branded with the UFC logo and Mexican flag with the caption “I’ll be here f*ck 300.”
Nate Diaz concluded his 27-fight stint with the UFC with a win over Tony Ferguson in Sept. of 2022. Since then, he made his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul in August. Diaz lost a unanimous decision.
While Nate Diaz could continue his career as a free agent with boxing and PFL rematch with Paul on the table, here are three options for a UFC return.
Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor
Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor combined for nearly three million pay-per-views in their pair of memorable main events. With the results split between both men, it only makes sense that they run it back for the trilogy. As both Diaz and McGregor’s relevance in the title picture dwindles more and more over time, this represents a guaranteed box office hit that would exist firmly outside the meritocracy.
Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal
Ever since Jorge Masvidal won the inaugural BMF belt over Nate Diaz at UFC 244, fans have been clamoring for a do-over. Despite “Gamebred” having little trouble getting the victory, the fact that the finish came via doctor stoppage and not a highlight reel moment left some feeling like the resolution was anti-climactic.
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Both men have entertained the possibility of a rematch over the years, with rumors swirling around it being contested under boxing rules. Masvidal’s “unretired” tweet and a now deleted post from Jake Paul have given legs to the speculation.
Nate Diaz vs. Michael Chandler
Sure, Michael Chandler is linked to a bout with Conor McGregor to finally close the chapter on their TUF 31 coaching stints. But with “The Notorious” continually moving the timetable, there’s serious doubt on it ever happening.
If Chandler grows tired of the waiting game but still wants to face a marquee opponent, Nate Diaz would be perfect. The style pairing almost guarantees an action fight and a victory for Chandler would put more pressure on McGregor to live up to his end of the bargain.
