DALLAS – When his boxing debut vs. Jake Paul became official, Nate Diaz made specific mention in a press release that his intentions are to afterward return back to the UFC.
On Tuesday following a pre-fight news conference for the Aug. 5 event at American Airlines Center, Diaz doubled down on his plan to return to the MMA promotion he spent 15 years with.
“That’s an option, the UFC,” Diaz said. “I would like to (return). At the end of the day, I’d like to go back and fight for a world title. If not, I’m going to have make my own world title and make the best come to me. I would like to be back in the UFC or fight the belt holders in boxing, also.”
When it comes to MMA, Diaz indicated it’s UFC or bust. Despite other potential suitors on the market who may be interested in a conversation, Diaz said he’s solely interested in the most prominent MMA promotion in the world.
“Right now, the UFC has the best fighters in the world and have for years,” Diaz said. “I’m trying to fight the best.”
Business negotiations between Team Diaz and the UFC have had more success at some times and less success at others. As far as his feelings toward the brand and Dana White, Diaz indicated he has respect for his former promotion.
“Cool – our relationship has always been cool,” Diaz said.
The respect appears to be mutual at the moment, as White tipped his cap to Diaz when MMA Junkie recently asked him about a potential future reunion.
“We love Nate,” White said April 15 at a news conference in Kansas City, Mo.. “I don’t know (about the future). We’ll see.”
Diaz, now 38, departed the promotion following the conclusion of his contract in September. He exited the promotion with a submission win against Tony Ferguson in an impromptu UFC 279 main event.
For more on the matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s hub for Paul vs. Diaz.
