Dana White Still Open to Nate Diaz, UFC Reunion Despite MVP Signing

UFC CEO says Diaz 'just got an offer he couldn't refuse' to fight for new promotion

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:52am

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UFC CEO Dana White says he is still on good terms with Nate Diaz despite the longtime UFC veteran signing to fight for the new Most Valuable Promotion (MVP) MMA event. White acknowledged that Diaz 'just got an offer he couldn't refuse' from MVP, but left the door open for a potential Diaz return to the UFC in the future.

Why it matters

Diaz's departure from the UFC after a four-year absence was seen by some as burning bridges, but White's comments suggest the UFC is still open to working with the popular fighter again. This story highlights the fluid nature of fighter contracts and the competition between promotions to sign top talent.

The details

Diaz is set to face Mike Perry on the first-ever MVP MMA card on May 16 on Netflix, an event headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. White said he and Diaz had a 'good time' when the fighter came to meet with him a couple weeks ago, indicating there is no bad blood between them.

  • Diaz is set to fight on the first MVP MMA card on May 16, 2026.
  • Diaz last fought in the UFC four years ago.

The players

Dana White

The CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Nate Diaz

A longtime UFC veteran who has signed to fight for the new Most Valuable Promotion (MVP) MMA event.

Most Valuable Promotion (MVP)

A new MMA promotion that has signed Nate Diaz to fight on its debut event.

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What they’re saying

“He came in and met with me a couple weeks ago. We had a good time, and I think Nate just got an offer he couldn't refuse. I haven't talked to him since then, but yeah, I'm happy for him.”

— Dana White, UFC CEO

“Let him do his thing, let's see how the fight plays out, then we'll see what happens.”

— Dana White, UFC CEO

What’s next

White said he will wait to see how Diaz's fight at the first MVP MMA event plays out before determining if there is potential for a Diaz return to the UFC.

The takeaway

Despite Nate Diaz's departure from the UFC to sign with the new MVP promotion, UFC CEO Dana White has left the door open for a potential Diaz return to the Octagon in the future, indicating there is no bad blood between the two sides.