UFC legend Nate Diaz names ideal next opponent after Mike Perry, and it’s not Conor McGregor

UFC legend Nate Diaz has his next couple of MMA fights mapped out, and his plans don’t seem to include his arch rival Conor McGregor.

Diaz is set to take on fellow UFC veteran “Platinum” Mike Perry in Netflix’s first MMA card on May 16. It will be his first MMA fight since he parted ways with the UFC following a win over Tony Ferguson in 2022.

While Perry will definitely be a very tough test, Diaz is already thinking about his next move.

Speaking to comedian Theo Von on a podcast appearance earlier this week, Diaz was asked who he’d like to fight next in MMA after Perry. His answer? Jake Paul.

Paul, of course, is the promoter behind the Netflix MMA card on May 16. However, he and Diaz have history. The YouTuber turned boxer turned fight promoter beat Diaz in the ring by decision in 2023.

Here’s how Diaz explained it to Von:

Nate Diaz wants to rematch Jake Paul, not UFC rival Conor McGregor

Nate Diaz wants Jake Paul in MMA next after declining the Conor McGregor fight 👀

“I’m hunting Jake Paul’s motherf*cking ass. Me and Conor will fight again when the time’s right.”

(via @TheoVon) pic.twitter.com/PlcpgJHYvV

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 31, 2026

“I’m hunting Jake Paul’s motherf**king ass,” the UFC veteran said. “I thought I beat Paul [when we boxed], but it was his big show.

“I’m on the hunt. I’m gonna take his ass clean out. I’ve got to fight Perry — big task at hand — and then the Paul fight.”

Paul has never competed in MMA before, having focused exclusively on boxing to date. However, he has repeatedly expressed interest in trying the sport, and even briefly partnered with the PFL to make it happen — though that plan turned out to be “meaningless.”

“I know he says [he wants to try MMA],” Diaz said incredulously. “That’s what he says.”

Diaz picking Paul for his next MMA opponent after Perry may surprise some people. Most fans likely expected him to target a tie-breaking trilogy with his UFC rival Conor McGregor. However, he doesn’t seem to think the timing is right.

“Me and Conor will fight again with the time is right,” he said.

If Nate Diaz beats Mike Perry, who do you want to see him fight next?