Former UFC superstar Nate Diaz is thinking about making a comeback to the boxing ring after witnessing the Jake Paul bs Mike Tyson fight.
Nate Diaz was part of the millions who tuned into the fight last weekend. While the pre-fight hype and fanfare delivered, the fight itself left some viewers disappointed. Jake Paul was able to leave the ring with a unanimous decision victory over Mike Tyson.
After his victory, Jake Paul is setting his sights on a potential battle with Canelo Alvarez. However, Nate Diaz is looking for a chance for redemption. This due to the former UFC fighter is wanting a rematch with Jake Paul after coming up short in the first fight.
After being able to secure his first professional boxing victory earlier this year against Jorge Masvidal. Nate Diaz is considering a return to action in the cage or the ring as 2025 approaches. A potential UFC comeback does remain on the table, despite Nate Diaz leaving the promotion after his victory on UFC 279.
At 39 years old Nate Daiz continues to be one of combat sports’ biggest draws, even with a mixed record over recent years. A return to the company, especially against a marquee opponent, could position him for a multi-million-dollar payday. Following a brief social media hiatus after the Paul vs Tyson fight. Nate Diaz seems eager to re-enter the spotlight, exploring opportunities in both boxing and MMA as the new year nears.
Nate Diaz Inches Closer to Return
In a recent Instagram post, Nate Diaz hinted at a fighting comeback while, reacting to the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight.
“Fuck this watching shite,” Nate Diaz wrote signaling his eagerness to return to active competition.
Nate Diaz’s last appearance in the boxing ring came back in July 2024. This was when Nate Diaz was able to defeat former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match. This fight was a gritty, back-and-forth battle that was able to end with Nate Diaz earning a majority decision victory.
His final UFC outing was back at UFC 279 in 2022 when Nate Diaz was able to submit Tony Ferguson in a memorable farewell performance. Shortly after this victory, Nate Diaz left the promotion to explore different ventures outside of MMA. However, he did not rule out a potential return to the company, particularly if a trilogy fight with Conor McGregor became a possibility.
Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor’s rivalry is one of the most iconic rivalries in UFC history. It is stemming from their two clashes at UFC 196 and UFC 202. Nate Diaz skyrocketed to superstardom after being able to submit Conor McGregor on short notice at UFC 196. This was an upset victory which transformed him from a fan favourite to a global star.
Diaz vs. McGregor Trilogy Looms as Fight Future Takes Shape
The UFC CEO Dana White has expressed his openness to re-signing Nate Diaz following his departure in 2022. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has been sidelined since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Conor McGregor was initially set to make his highly anticipated return to the cage back at UFC 264. Conor McGregor was initially set to make his return at UFC 303 in a headliner against Michael Chandler. However, a toe injury forced him to withdraw just weeks before the fight, indefinitely delaying his octagon comeback.
Both Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor have shown interest in settling their storied rivalry with a trilogy fight in the UFC. Their first two matchups went and shattered pay-per-view records, with their rematch at UFC 202 becoming one of the most lucrative events in MMA history.
As Nate Diaz explores his next move his options have remained plentiful. These include a potential boxing match with Jake Paul or a return to MMA. Fans may not have to wait long for the answers, however, as the Stockton superstar is expected to provide more clarity on his fighting future in the coming weeks.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images