Nate Diaz accused of misleading claims over UFC payday for Conor McGregor trilogy bout

UFC veteran Matt Brown doubts Diaz's explanation for choosing Netflix over the Octagon.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a mixed martial arts fight, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the intensity of the action.Diaz's high-stakes Netflix debut raises questions about the shifting financial landscape of modern MMA.Inglewood Today

Nate Diaz is set to make his MMA return on May 16 at Netflix's first live event, where he will face Mike Perry. Diaz claimed he turned down a more lucrative UFC offer to fight Conor McGregor in a trilogy bout, but UFC veteran Matt Brown is skeptical of Diaz's explanation, believing the Netflix deal simply paid Diaz more money.

Why it matters

Diaz's decision to bypass a potential McGregor trilogy fight in the UFC for a Netflix bout is notable, as the McGregor fights have been among the biggest pay-per-view draws in UFC history. Brown's doubts about Diaz's stated reasons raise questions about the financial details behind the Netflix deal and Diaz's negotiating leverage.

The details

Diaz revealed that the UFC offered him more money than the Netflix fight to face McGregor in a trilogy bout, but he wasn't interested in the matchup after a three-year layoff. However, Brown believes Diaz is simply making more money with the Netflix deal, regardless of how the UFC contract was structured. Perry has built a name for himself in bare-knuckle boxing since leaving grappling behind.

  • Nate Diaz is set to make his MMA return on May 16, 2026.
  • Diaz last fought in the UFC in September 2022.

The players

Nate Diaz

A fan-favorite MMA fighter who is set to make his return at Netflix's first live event.

Conor McGregor

A former UFC champion who has had two previous fights against Diaz.

Matt Brown

A UFC veteran who doubts Diaz's explanation for choosing the Netflix fight over a potential trilogy bout with McGregor in the UFC.

Dana White

The UFC president, who believes Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions offered Diaz an unmatchable deal for the Netflix fight.

Mike Perry

Diaz's opponent for the Netflix event, who has built a name for himself in bare-knuckle boxing.

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What they’re saying

“Money talks. He's making more money with this Netflix fight than he would with the UFC. That's why he's not fighting Conor in the UFC.”

— Matt Brown, UFC Veteran

“I lean towards believing Dana on this. He got an offer he couldn't refuse. Now how Nate's spinning it with the way the contract is structured, maybe there's something behind the scenes under some layers that we're not privy to just yet. But there's no way he's not making more money.”

— Matt Brown, UFC Veteran

What’s next

The details of Diaz's Netflix contract and his negotiations with the UFC remain unclear, so further reporting on the financial specifics of his decision could provide more insight.

The takeaway

Diaz's choice to bypass a potential McGregor trilogy fight in the UFC for a Netflix bout raises questions about the financial realities of modern MMA, as fighters increasingly explore opportunities outside the Octagon that may offer more lucrative paydays.