Nate Diaz will officially return to MMA but it will not for the UFC. The Stockton native will be stepping back into the cage against former UFC veteran Mike Perry on May. 16.
Diaz vs. Perry will be contested in a five-round welterweight bout on the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card. The event is being promoted by Jake Paul‘s Most Valuable Promotions and will stream live on Netflix. Diaz and Perry are massive additions, especially with the following and reputation they have build throughout their careers.
Perry experienced a surge in popularity after leaving the UFC. He joined BKFC and became one of their biggest stars. ‘Platinum’ also founded Dirty Boxing, which has become another viable option for fighters.
Diaz, meanwhile, has competed in boxing bouts since leaving the UFC. He faced Paul in his first bout, losing a decision. However, he was successful in his second outing, where he defeated former rival Jorge Masvidal by decision.
Diaz has been linked to a UFC return for quite some time, so this pivot to joining Paul’s promotion is a surprise.
Nate Diaz and Mike Perry Expressed Interest in Fighting
Nate Diaz and Mike Perry both expressed interest in facing each other prior to the official announcement regarding their bout. They have been in high profile fights since their UFC departures, so their bout certainly adds interest to the event.
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani posted a collection of clips showing Diaz and Perry expressing interest in a potential bout.
“I know we would like to [book a fight]. I mean, I would like Nate Diaz to fight me,” Perry said.
Diaz expressed interest in making a return as well and named Perry as a appealing option.
“I’m ready to get back in real action. I want to fight either [Conor] McGregor [in a trilogy], maybe Dustin Poirier if he stops being such a [expletive], and maybe Mike Perry. We’ll see what happens.”
Stay tuned for more!
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post BREAKING: Nate Diaz’s Surprise MMA Return Officially Announced appeared first on Heavy Sports.