Nate Diaz Accused of Lying About Turning Down UFC Offer

Former UFC fighter claims he rejected more money to fight Conor McGregor, but Dana White disputes the claim.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:05am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a mixed martial arts fight, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors representing the raw athleticism and competitive spirit of the combatants.The upcoming Netflix MMA event featuring Nate Diaz and Mike Perry promises an explosive, high-energy matchup between two of the sport's most dynamic and unpredictable fighters.Los Angeles Today

Nate Diaz is set to make his MMA return on May 16 at a Netflix event, where he will fight Mike Perry. Diaz claimed he turned down a bigger UFC offer to fight Conor McGregor for a third time, but UFC president Dana White and former fighter Matt Brown have disputed this, suggesting Diaz likely received a more lucrative offer from Netflix's Most Valuable Promotions that he couldn't refuse.

Why it matters

Diaz's claim about turning down more money from the UFC has been met with skepticism, as it raises questions about the financial motivations behind fighters' decisions to compete. The dispute also highlights the ongoing rivalry between Diaz and McGregor, two of the UFC's biggest stars.

The details

Nate Diaz is set to make his MMA comeback on May 16 at a Netflix event, where he will fight Mike Perry. Diaz revealed that the door was open for him to return to the UFC, but he claimed he turned down the promotion's offer to fight Conor McGregor for a third time, stating he was not interested in the fight due to his long layoff. However, UFC president Dana White disputed Diaz's claim, suggesting he likely received a more lucrative offer from Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions that he couldn't refuse. Former UFC fighter Matt Brown agreed with White, stating that "money talks" and that Diaz is "going to pick the highest bidder."

  • Nate Diaz last fought in the UFC in September 2022.
  • Diaz's MMA return is scheduled for May 16, 2026 at a Netflix event.

The players

Nate Diaz

A former UFC fighter who is set to make his MMA comeback on May 16 at a Netflix event, where he will fight Mike Perry.

Conor McGregor

A former UFC fighter and one of the promotion's biggest stars, who Diaz claims he turned down a fight against for a third time.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who disputed Diaz's claim about turning down a fight against McGregor.

Matt Brown

A former UFC welterweight fighter who agrees with Dana White's assessment of Diaz's decision to fight on the Netflix event.

Jake Paul

The founder of Most Valuable Promotions, the company that likely offered Diaz a more lucrative deal to fight on their Netflix event.

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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, Former UFC Welterweight Fighter

“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, Former UFC Welterweight Fighter

“I don't believe it for a second that he's not making more money with this Netflix deal. However that plays out, his bank account ends up with more money from this fight than it does in the UFC or he doesn't take the fight.”

— Matt Brown, Former UFC Welterweight Fighter

What’s next

Nate Diaz's fight against Mike Perry at the Netflix MMA event on May 16, 2026 will be a highly anticipated matchup, as fans are eager to see if Diaz can secure another submission victory over his opponent.

The takeaway

This dispute over Nate Diaz's decision to fight on the Netflix event rather than return to the UFC highlights the financial motivations that often drive fighter decisions, as well as the ongoing rivalry between Diaz and Conor McGregor. It remains to be seen whether Diaz's claims about turning down a bigger UFC offer are accurate or if he simply received a more lucrative deal from Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.