Nate Diaz Shares Honest Thoughts on Rival Conor McGregor's Disastrous Comeback
Nate Diaz has finally broken his silence on his arch-rival's disastrous comeback with a surprising admission.
Nate Diaz has seemingly put his bad blood aside as he commented on Conor McGregor's 69-second UFC 329 debacle.
Nate Diaz Feels Bad for McGregor's Freak Injury
Conor McGregor's anticipated return to the Octagon was brutally short-lived. A torn ACL after attempting a flying kick early in his clash against Max Holloway sent 'Notorious' to the sidelines for another 12 months. Longtime rival Nate Diaz has finally opened up about the incident, and it was not what people expected.
“Conor is a f—er, but Conor is a fighter,” the Stockton fighter told MMA Junkie in a recent interview. “I feel bad for him. I hope he does good. Positive vibes for the comeback."
As the former UFC star explained, despite the lingering conflict between the two, Diaz does not want the Irishman forced out of the sport.
“He’s someone you want to see. I’m not trying to kill him off. I’m not trying to be killed off by a guy trying to make a comeback. I’m trying to fight a big fight to move up in the fight program."
The showdown against Max Holloway had marked McGregor's return from a 5-year break from UFC, as a string of injuries plagued that attempt. Naturally, the early mistake in the round stung Notorious in more ways than one. While Diaz understands that, he has not exactly turned over a new leaf.
Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor have one of the fiercest rivalries in the promotion. In fact, the Stockton handed McGregor his first UFC loss in 2016. In a hyped rematch, the former lightweight champion avenged that defeat with a majority decision victory. Still, the saga remains unfinished, at least for Diaz.
Nate Diaz Reveals Major Trilogy Update
During the Ki MMA launch party in New York City, Nate Diaz offered an exciting update for fans hooked on the lingering bad blood between the fighters. Speaking to Red Corner MMA, the 41-year-old revealed:
“Yeah, hundred percent we’re gonna have a trilogy. When he’s in action and I’m in action and s—‘s happening, we’re gonna meet."
Nate Diaz confirms a trilogy with Conor McGregor is 100% happening in the future. He also says McGregor’s ending against Max Holloway was the result of the nerves and excitement that come with being back in the big show.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 16, 2026
“100%. We’re going to have a trilogy. When he’s in action… pic.twitter.com/EZwIUh7dyR
However, both the fighters are on two completely different paths at the moment. While Diaz is currently a free agent and has even competed in Jake Paul's MVP earlier this year, McGregor still has one more fight in his UFC contract.
The Irish fighter has revealed his desire to return to the next International Fight Week for his final stint. With McGregor confirming he won't re-sign with the promotion, many expect a move to BKFC. Diaz, however, is not concerned about the promotion.
“Well, whatever, wherever, whenever, whenever time is gonna meet up. Me and him are gonna fight, so we’ll see what happens," replied Diaz.
For now, though, Diaz and McGregor's showdown has to wait until the latter is fit to fight again.
