Nate Diaz Admits UFC Return 'Was Hard to Jump Back Into' Despite Eyeing Charles Oliveira Fight

Nate Diaz and Charles Oliveira (Image Credits: Imagn)

Nate Diaz Admits UFC Return 'Was Hard to Jump Back Into' Despite Eyeing Charles Oliveira Fight

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated May 13, 2026 5:13 AM ET

Despite staying away from UFC for roughly the past four years, Nate Diaz admits it wasn’t easy. What is even more difficult, however, is the decision to make a return to the Octagon. Speaking candidly about his future, Diaz revealed that former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is at the top of his list of potential opponents if he eventually returns.

Diaz, who also wants to fight Jon Jones, explained that mentally stepping back into the UFC environment was difficult after working so hard to leave it behind. “It was hard to jump back in, something I tried so hard for so many years to get out of. I can’t just jump right back in,” Diaz said while discussing his comeback plans.

However, the Stockton native believes there is still unfinished business left inside the Octagon. Diaz specifically named Oliveira as the fighter he most wants to face and even hinted at another run toward UFC gold. “Oliveira out of everybody. I’m gonna go back and get that belt,” he added.

Nate Diaz says Charles Oliveira is at the top of his list for a UFC return, but explains why the timing wasn’t right:

"It was hard to jump back in, something I tried so hard for so many years to get out of. I can't just jump right back in."

Oliveira out of everybody. I'm gonna… pic.twitter.com/bERO6M0LF1
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 12, 2026

Diaz last competed in the UFC in 2022, defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 before leaving the promotion to pursue boxing and other opportunities outside MMA. Currently, boxing icon Jake Paul seems interested in fighting Nate Diaz, but there’s a twist.

Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul Might Become an Actual Fight

Despite Jake Paul being a boxer, he recently showed interest in fighting Diaz inside an MMA ring. He made it clear that a shift to MMA is what he actually wants to do. The duo previously met in a boxing bout in 2023, where Paul emerged victorious. However, an MMA bout between the duo is what many fans wanted to see.

Recently, Jake Paul discussed the financial roadblocks that big fights like this one face. Explaining his desires regarding the fight, Paul stated (video here; warning: viewer discretion advised): “I want Nate and MMA and I think it’s about, yeah, I think, I think it’s, it’s high on my list of priorities to do that…He probably wants a certain amount of money to take the risk in losing to me. And yeah, I just don’t give a f---. I have enough money.”

While these are still talks and there is no confirmation that this fight will happen anytime soon, the idea of such a bout certainly sounds interesting.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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