Dana White has shared his first response to Nate Diaz’s upcoming return to MMA.
The UFC fan favorite hasn’t fought in his first sport since choking out Tony Ferguson in September 2023.
After that, Nate Diaz left the UFC as a free agent and went 1-1 in boxing bouts against Jorge Masvidal and Jake Paul.
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Dana White confirms UFC return talks with Nate Diaz
Earlier this week, it was announced that Nate Diaz will make his MMA return on May 16.
The 40-year-old UFC icon will face Mike Perry during Jake Paul’s first MMA show, which will probably be headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano and have Francis Ngannou fighting within the co-main event.
On Saturday, Dana White was asked if he’d spoken with Diaz a couple of potential UFC comeback fight.
The UFC CEO confirmed a recent meeting before speculating about why Diaz opted against re-signing with him.
“He got here in and met with me a few weeks ago,” the MMA mogul confirmed at UFC London.
“We had an excellent time. I feel Nate just got a proposal he couldn’t refuse.
“I haven’t talked to him since then, but I’m completely satisfied for him.”
Will Nate Diaz ever return to the UFC?
Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz 3 was reported to be off the table endlessly after recent developments.
“The way in which I heard it, Diaz taking this fight closes the door on a UFC return completely,” MMA reporter Luke Thomas tweeted after the Mike Perry clash was confirmed.
Dana White refused to completely close the door on Diaz making a UFC comeback after his next fight.
“I don’t know,” he added when asked if Diaz’s signing with Most Helpful Promotions means he’ll never reunite with the UFC.
“Let him do his thing and see how the fight plays out. We’ll see what happens.”