Nate Diaz has officially put his bid in the ring for the UFC's White House card and he has some opponents in mind for the event.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, the 40-year-old Stockton fighter explained that he is done with the exhibition circuit and wants to return to "real action" on the sport's biggest stage. Diaz outlined a three-man hit list specifically for the historic June 14, 2026 event, targeting old rivals and new faces alike as he looks to secure a spot on the South Lawn.
"I'm ready to get back to real action," Diaz told TMZ Sports. “I want to fight either (Conor) McGregor, maybe Dustin Poirier if he stops being so shy, and maybe even Mike Perry.”
Poirier's call out is especially stinging, reigniting a feud that has been smoldering for years without ever materializing in the cage. Poirier, who retired in July 2025 after a loss to Max Holloway, has recently made a comeback, and Diaz's challenge could be the spark needed to finally make the fight happen.
Meanwhile, the mention of Mike Perry provides a wild card option, as the former BKFC star is currently a free agent looking to return to mixed martial arts. The backdrop to Diaz's potential return is the UFC White House event, which is being held to celebrate both President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Diaz shared his enthusiasm for the patriotic display, saying, "Yeah, it would be dope. Gang America, baby. You already know what's up."
A limited number of bouts are expected to take place at the event, and Diaz's proven ability to effortlessly draw attention makes him a prime candidate for the lineup. Diaz also took some time to address his former opponent, Jake Paul, who recently suffered a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua. Despite their past rivalry, Diaz praised the YouTuber-turned-boxer, who suffered a double jaw break in a sixth-round knockout.
Diaz acknowledged Paul's desire to step up against a former heavyweight champion, saying, "He's doing a great job." However, Diaz made it clear that his own focus is moving back to legitimate MMA competition, noting that he wants a "real fight" for the "right price" rather than another crossover boxing match.
