TLDR
- Nate Diaz posted on social media that he started the BMF division and plans to win the title soon
- The 40-year-old fighter has not competed in UFC since September 2022 when he submitted Tony Ferguson
- Diaz lost to Jorge Masvidal in the first BMF title fight at UFC 244 in 2019
- He has expressed interest in fighting at the White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026
- Max Holloway currently holds the BMF title and will defend it against Charles Oliveira on March 7
Sources: MMA News | BJ Penn | Bloody Elbow | The Independent
Nate Diaz has announced his intention to return to the UFC in 2026, claiming he started the BMF division and plans to take the title.
The 40-year-old fighter posted a message on X on Wednesday, stating his case for creating the “Baddest Motherf*****” championship. “Let’s not act like I didn’t start a whole division bringing value to all these guys claiming they’re it,” Diaz wrote.
Diaz continued his message by saying he gave opportunity and put notice on “the dopest fights.” He added that he has unfinished business and plans on taking what is his as soon as possible.
Let’s not act like I didn’t start a whole division bringing value to all these guys claiming they’re it. I gave opportunity and put notice on the dopest fights I got unfinished business and I plan on going and taking what’s mine asap 1st to ever start a division and the dopest… pic.twitter.com/DbiYibmqb6
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) February 12, 2026
Four Years Away from the Octagon
Diaz last competed in the UFC in September 2022 at UFC 279, where he submitted Tony Ferguson in a short-notice bout. After that fight, he left the promotion and pursued boxing opportunities.
Since leaving the UFC, Diaz has fought twice in the boxing ring. He lost to YouTuber Jake Paul in a lopsided decision and later earned his first professional boxing win against Jorge Masvidal in 2024.
The BMF title has special meaning for Diaz, who competed for the inaugural belt at UFC 244 in November 2019. Masvidal defeated him in that fight via doctor’s stoppage after Diaz suffered a severe cut on his face.
Diaz also posted on Instagram about his “unfinished business,” sharing photos of the BMF title alongside iconic moments from his career. The post included images of his submission victory over Conor McGregor in 2016 and the moment he stunned Leon Edwards in 2021.
White House Event and Potential Opponents
Diaz has confirmed his interest in fighting at the UFC White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026. UFC president Dana White is planning the card on the South Lawn to celebrate 250 years of the United States, which falls on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
White has stated he is currently matchmaking with colleague Mick Maynard but has not revealed who will compete at the event. TKO CEO Ari Emanuel suggested there will be six or seven fights with 3,000 to 4,000 attendees.
Diaz has named Paddy Pimblett as a potential opponent for his 2026 return. A trilogy fight with McGregor has also been discussed by fans, as the two fighters split their 2016 series, with Diaz submitting McGregor before losing a rematch five months later.
McGregor has publicly stated he wants to compete at the White House event, though White has ruled out certain matchups including McGregor versus Colby Covington. White dismissed reports of that bout as “total BS.”
Max Holloway currently holds the BMF title and will defend it against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 on March 7. Neither Holloway nor Oliveira has responded to Diaz’s recent posts about returning for the championship.
Diaz’s brother Nick has also teased a potential return to fighting in 2026. The two brothers could possibly compete on the same card later this summer.
