UFC commentator Jon Anik has defended Nate Diaz after the veteran turned down a trilogy fight with Conor McGregor. Diaz said he wanted a more competitive matchup and has a new fight lined up outside the UFC.
Anik: Diaz is choosing competition over money
On Submission Radio, Jon Anik praised Diaz for putting competitive value first. Anik said it was refreshing to hear a fighter choose a matchup that feels “more juicy” rather than chasing the biggest payday or pageantry.
Anik noted that while a Diaz–McGregor fight makes sense on paper, Diaz asked for a different opponent because he still believes he can compete with top fighters. Anik and fellow commentators discussed how fighters sometimes seek matchups that are more meaningful to them personally.
McGregor comeback plans and other names in the mix
With Diaz out of the picture for now, Max Holloway has emerged as a leading candidate to face Conor McGregor in his planned return. Holloway recently lost the BMF title at UFC 326.
The promotion is reportedly eyeing UFC 329 during International Fight Week for McGregor’s comeback. Commentators have also said a matchup between McGregor and Charles Oliveira would make sense for the BMF belt, especially after Oliveira and Holloway met for that title.
Diaz signs with new promotion and next fight
Nate Diaz has signed with MVP MMA for his next bout. He is scheduled to fight Mike Perry on the MVP MMA Netflix card on May 16. This move does not rule out a possible future return to the UFC and a trilogy with McGregor down the line.
Diaz publicly said he turned down a UFC offer to fight McGregor this year and instead requested a fight with Charles Oliveira. His decision shows he may be focused on matchups he finds competitively meaningful.
| Fighter | Recent Result / Status |
|---|---|
| Nate Diaz | Turned down McGregor trilogy; signed with MVP MMA; set to face Mike Perry on May 16 |
| Conor McGregor | Targeting return at UFC 329 during International Fight Week |
| Max Holloway | Recently lost BMF title at UFC 326; linked to McGregor return fight |
| Charles Oliveira | Fought Holloway for the BMF title (UFC 326); named as a possible McGregor opponent |
| Mike Perry | Scheduled to fight Nate Diaz on MVP MMA Netflix card (May 16) |
Jon Anik’s comments highlight a growing narrative in MMA: some fighters now pick matchups for competitive reasons rather than only for the biggest paychecks or most attention. Diaz’s next fight will show where he stands next in his career.
