Jon Anik supports Nate Diaz decision to reject McGregor trilogy

Diaz, now 40, said his decision was down to wanting a matchup that would push him more competitively. He mentioned Charles Oliveira as the type of opponent he still feels ready to face.

And while many fans had hoped to see him back in the UFC for a third fight with McGregor, commentator Jon Anik explained why he understood and respected Diaz’s reasoning.

Anik spoke about it on Submission Radio:

“That’s not the fight that he (was) looking for and I think that’s a little bit refreshing if I could take that side of it, to hear Nate say that he wants something that maybe competitively for him is more juicy, that he’s not necessarily there for the pageantry or the biggest possible pay check.”

With Diaz out of the picture for now, Max Holloway has emerged as the leading candidate to face McGregor. Holloway recently lost his BMF title at UFC 326 but remains one of the division’s top names.

The promotion is reportedly looking at International Fight Week and UFC 329 as possible dates for McGregor’s return bout.

Diaz may have signed up for an MVP MMA bout next, but plenty within the UFC still believe there’ll be another chance down the line to set up his trilogy fight with McGregor.