TLDR
- Nate Diaz has called out Paddy Pimblett as his preferred next opponent for a potential UFC return
- Pimblett is already scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24
- Diaz’s last fight was a boxing win over Jorge Masvidal in July 2024, where he was reportedly owed $9 million
- Sources say UFC has made Diaz unwelcome since his loss to Jake Paul in August 2023
- Diaz predicts Jake Paul will defeat Anthony Joshua in their December 19 boxing match
Sources: MMA Fighting | MMA Mania | Boxing News
Nate Diaz has identified Paddy Pimblett as his next target for 2026, calling out the Liverpool fighter in a recent Instagram video. When asked who he was fighting next, Diaz responded, “Shit, I’m looking at Pimblett. Probably Pimblett.”
The 40-year-old fighter hasn’t competed since winning a majority decision over Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match in July 2024. That event drew over 13,000 fans but left Diaz waiting on $9 million in unpaid earnings from promoter Fanmio.
Nate Diaz vs Paddy the Baddy in 2026? 👀 pic.twitter.com/FxPoPCcNhH
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) December 12, 2025
Diaz fought out his UFC contract with a submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022. Since then, he has competed twice in boxing, losing to Jake Paul in August 2023 before evening his record with Masvidal.
Pimblett Already Booked for Title Fight
The problem with Diaz’s callout is timing. Pimblett is scheduled to face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324 on January 24.
If Pimblett wins that bout, UFC CEO Dana White has indicated he will face undisputed champion Ilia Topuria in a unification match later this year. That makes a detour to fight Diaz highly unlikely for “The Baddy.”
The matchup could make sense as a consolation prize if Pimblett loses to Gaethje. Diaz versus Pimblett would attract fan interest based on both fighters’ popularity and fighting styles.
UFC Relationship Remains Strained
Multiple sources indicate that relations between Diaz and the UFC have deteriorated since his departure. The promotion repeatedly attempted to match him against Khamzat Chimaev during his final contract period.
Insiders say Diaz has been unwelcome at the UFC since his loss to Jake Paul. Nakisa Bidarian, promotional partner at Most Valuable Promotions, confirmed the organization’s stance on fighters who work with Paul.
Nate Diaz is asked who he's fighting next:
"I'm looking at Pimblett. Probably Pimblett." 👀
(via @NateDiaz209) pic.twitter.com/Xg3OPqPrts
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 12, 2025
“There are fighters out there who have guidance from UFC that says, ‘Hey, if you fight with MVP or you fight Jake Paul, you’re not welcome here anymore,'” Bidarian said. “You can’t come back, you can’t use the Performance Institute, and you won’t be considered for future fights.”
Despite these obstacles, Diaz has publicly stated his desire to return to the UFC and compete for a championship before retiring. He has previously mentioned interest in fights with Topuria, Max Holloway, and Conor McGregor.
The UFC has shown little public interest in bringing back the Stockton native. White has offered some positive comments about Diaz but has not pursued serious negotiations.
Diaz’s limited options outside the UFC leave him in a difficult position as his career winds down. His boxing ventures have provided paydays but created complications with the MMA promotion.
In the same Instagram video, Diaz offered a prediction for Jake Paul’s upcoming heavyweight boxing match against Anthony Joshua on December 19 in Miami. “I got my money on Paul,” Diaz said. “He might get his ass knocked out, but if he don’t, Paul’s going to win.”
