Nate Diaz’s Return to the Octagon
In a highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts, Nate Diaz is set to step back into the octagon after nearly four years, facing Mike Perry as part of the undercard for the Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano showdown. This fight will take place on May 16 at the Intuit Dome located in Inglewood, California, and has just been officially announced by Most Valuable Promotions, the event’s promoter founded by Jake Paul.
Diaz’s Career Highlights
Diaz, who is nearing his 41st birthday, has not fought in a cage since September 2022, when he concluded his UFC career with a remarkable victory over Tony Ferguson via chokehold. Known for his epic rivalry with Conor McGregor that unfolded a decade ago, Diaz played a significant role in escalating both fighters’ popularity within the sport.
In the interim, Diaz ventured into boxing, participating in two high-profile matches. He faced a setback against Jake Paul in 2023 but rebounded to defeat Jorge Masvidal in 2024. Despite this shift to boxing, Diaz is eager to reaffirm his roots, stating:
“Glad to be back in action. It’s time. Don’t forget where this all came from. I got plans on doing a lot more in the next 10 years, no matter where it is. Time to set the bar again.”
Perry’s Background and Recent Fights
Perry, 34, known for his entertaining style both in and out of the ring, fought under the UFC banner until 2021. Following a challenging tenure that saw him lose seven of his last ten UFC fights, he transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing, where he has thrived with an undefeated record of 6-0. However, he has also faced defeat in a boxing match against Paul, who stopped him in July 2024. Diaz’s matchup against Perry will mark the latter’s return to mixed martial arts since his departure from the UFC.
Event Overview
This clash between two notable figures is part of a unique event showcasing well-known fighters whose legacies and public personas often overshadow the current crop of UFC champions. Alongside the Diaz-Perry fight, Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, will also compete, taking on Brazilian fighter Philipe Lins at the same venue.
