The echoes of a bygone era sometimes resonate most profoundly in the present. Such is the case with Nate Diaz, the Stockton original, who has once again cast a compelling gaze towards his most infamous rival: Conor McGregor. Diaz, never one to shy from a direct challenge, recently articulated his desire for a decisive third encounter, remarking with characteristic bluntness that there appears to be “nobody else to fight” that truly captures his interest or the public`s imagination.
The Genesis of an Enduring Rivalry
The genesis of this captivating rivalry dates back to UFC 196 in March 2016, an event etched into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) lore. Stepping in on short notice, Diaz delivered a seismic upset, submitting the then-undefeated-in-UFC McGregor. This unexpected triumph instantly propelled Diaz into superstardom and ignited a feud that transcended the sport`s typical rivalries.
The immediate rematch, just five months later at UFC 202, lived up to every ounce of its immense hype. A brutal, back-and-forth war culminated in a majority decision victory for McGregor, leaving the series at a tantalizing 1-1. From that moment, the call for a rubber match became an almost immediate mantra among fans and pundits alike, a perpetual query hovering over the careers of both men.
The Current Landscape: Where Are They Now?
Nearly a decade on, both fighters inhabit a different space in the combat sports firmament. Conor McGregor, once the sport`s undeniable kingpin and a dual-division champion, has been largely absent from active competition. His last Octagon appearance was a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, a bout that ended with a significant leg injury. A highly anticipated return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 was recently postponed, extending his hiatus and fueling continued speculation about his immediate future in the sport.
Nate Diaz, true to his maverick spirit, departed the UFC after submitting Tony Ferguson in September 2022. Since then, he has ventured into professional boxing, first facing social media personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a crossover bout in August 2023, which he lost. More recently, he secured a majority decision victory over former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal in June 2024. These forays outside MMA`s premier promotion underscore Diaz`s independent path, yet his heart, it seems, remains tethered to the sport`s biggest names and its most compelling narratives.
“Nobody Else to Fight”: A Veteran`s Candid Assessment
Diaz`s assertion that there`s “nobody else” truly compelling enough to fight carries a certain weight, perhaps a veteran`s weary assessment of the current landscape. While the UFC boasts an array of talented contenders across multiple weight classes, few possess the star power, the narrative depth, or the pre-existing history to generate the kind of global attention a McGregor-Diaz trilogy would effortlessly command.
It`s a testament to the indelible mark both men left on the sport that even after years of inactivity and diverse ventures, their names remain irrevocably linked. The potential for a third clash still frequently eclipses many contemporary matchups. One might even suggest that in an era obsessed with fresh faces and rising stars, the most sought-after fight is a reunion of old rivals—a peculiar irony in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of combat sports.
Feasibility, Fan Desire, and Future Prospects
For the trilogy to materialize, both fighters would need to navigate complex contractual obligations and, crucially, competitive readiness. Diaz himself pragmatically noted that he`d like to see McGregor “come back and impress everybody first,” a sensible observation given McGregor`s extended layoff and recent injury concerns.
Despite their recent records or current activity levels, the demand for McGregor vs. Diaz III remains fervent. It’s not merely about rankings or title implications; it’s about a clash of authentic personalities, two men whose animosity and respect have been forged in the crucible of elite competition. It`s a fight driven by narrative and nostalgia, promising unscripted chaos that few other matchups can deliver.
While the McGregor fight clearly occupies the top spot on Diaz`s wish list, he also acknowledged other potential challenges. He gave a nod to rising UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, though noting the size discrepancy, and also floated the names of boxing champions Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. This showcases Diaz`s consistent ambition to pursue the biggest, most challenging fights across disciplines, regardless of the perceived odds.
The call for a Nate Diaz-Conor McGregor trilogy is more than just another fight announcement; it`s a recurring signal that some rivalries transcend time and circumstance. In an ever-evolving combat sports landscape, the magnetic pull of this particular matchup remains undiminished. Whether it materializes or forever remains a “what if” in the annals of MMA history, Nate Diaz has ensured that the conversation, and the anticipation, continue.
