The echoes of one of mixed martial arts` most storied rivalries have once again reverberated through the combat sports world. Years after their epic two-part saga captivated millions, Stockton`s own **Nate Diaz** has publicly declared his desire for a third dance with the sport`s biggest star, **Conor McGregor**. His reasoning? A rather blunt assessment that “there ain’t nobody else to fight.”
A Rivalry Forged in Fire: The Legacy of Diaz vs. McGregor
The genesis of this compelling narrative dates back to March 2016 at UFC 196. In a last-minute welterweight bout, Diaz stepped in on just 11 days` notice to face a surging Conor McGregor, then the featherweight champion. What unfolded was a gritty, unforgettable war that culminated in Diaz submitting the Irishman in the second round, delivering one of the most iconic post-fight lines in UFC history: “I`m not surprised, motherf*ckers!”
The immediate and undeniable demand for a rematch led to UFC 202 just five months later. This time, McGregor, having made significant adjustments, narrowly edged out Diaz in a brutal five-round majority decision, evening the score at 1-1. Since then, the prospect of a rubber match, a definitive third chapter, has lingered like an unfulfilled prophecy, consistently topping fan wish lists despite the passage of time and both fighters` evolving careers.
Diaz`s Perspective: “There Ain`t Nobody Else”
Diaz, known for his unfiltered candor, recently articulated his rationale for pursuing McGregor yet again. On the Out Cold podcast, he stated his preference, with all due respect to other fighters, would be a returning Conor McGregor. It`s a sentiment that speaks volumes about the perceived lack of truly compelling, financially lucrative, or legacy-defining matchups available to a fighter of Diaz`s unique stature. In a landscape teeming with talent, Diaz, ever the connoisseur of captivating narratives, now finds the well of suitable opponents somewhat dry—unless, of course, Conor McGregor re-enters the fray.
“If I could fight anybody right now… if Conor McGregor came back. Shit, Conor McGregor. There ain’t nobody else to fight, really, right now.”
This declaration isn`t just about financial opportunity; it also aligns with Diaz`s long-standing desire to test himself against the biggest names at the peak of their influence. He expressed a wish for McGregor to “come back and impress everybody first,” hoping to defeat someone “on top of the world.” It`s a classic Diaz move: aiming for the very top, even if the top is currently navigating a highly uncertain path.
McGregor`s Elusive Return: A Path Paved with Questions
The challenge, however, lies in McGregor`s current status. The former two-division champion has not competed since his leg injury TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. A highly anticipated comeback bout against Michael Chandler, initially slated for UFC 303 last summer, was abruptly canceled due to undisclosed reasons, further clouding his fighting future. McGregor`s prolonged absence and the uncertainty surrounding his return make any potential trilogy fight a hopeful speculation rather than an imminent reality.
The Enduring Allure of a Superfight
Despite their respective periods of inactivity—Diaz last fought in MMA in 2022, submitting Tony Ferguson, before venturing into boxing bouts against Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal—the appeal of Diaz vs. McGregor III remains undiminished. It`s more than just a fight; it`s a clash of contrasting personalities, fighting styles, and philosophies. It`s the technical striking precision of McGregor against the relentless, high-volume pressure and iron chin of Diaz. It`s the flamboyant superstar versus the defiant anti-hero.
For fans, it represents unfinished business, a chance to witness an epic conclusion to a story that defined an era of UFC. For the fighters, it`s a legacy bout, a chance for an enormous payday, and perhaps, for both, one final statement in a career built on defying expectations.
Beyond the Trilogy: Diaz`s Other Aspirations
While McGregor is clearly at the top of Diaz`s wish list, he also mentioned other intriguing possibilities, albeit seemingly less compelling for him. In MMA, he acknowledged the impressive work of featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, though noting he might be “a little small.” Outside the Octagon, Diaz`s boxing ambitions remain high, with dreams of challenging pound-for-pound greats like Canelo Alvarez or Terence Crawford—a testament to his enduring desire for the biggest challenges, wherever they may lie.
Will the Stars Align?
The call from Nate Diaz serves as a potent reminder of the magnetic pull this rivalry still exerts. While the logistical hurdles—McGregor`s health and commitment, the UFC`s willingness to sanction such a high-stakes, potentially farewell bout for both—are significant, the public appetite is undeniable. The McGregor-Diaz trilogy remains the fight that time seemingly forgot, yet one that fans, and apparently Nate Diaz himself, refuse to let go of. Will we finally see the completion of one of combat sports` most captivating sagas? Only time, and perhaps a highly motivated “Notorious,” will tell.
