The long-discussed third fight between <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/conor-mcgregor-eyes-triple-crown-glory-potential-ufc-return/2631-5-0">Conor McGregor</a> and Nate Diaz isn&rsquo;t moving forward anytime soon. Despite strong interest behind the scenes, the idea has hit a wall, and it&rsquo;s Diaz who&rsquo;s holding the line.

For months, speculation around a trilogy bout kept surfacing. The rivalry still carries weight, and fans haven&rsquo;t forgotten the intensity of their first two meetings. But the latest Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz news suggests the timing simply doesn&rsquo;t work.

Diaz spoke candidly about the offer and didn&rsquo;t soften his stance. He pointed directly at McGregor&rsquo;s recent setbacks, including the knockout loss to Dustin Poirier and the serious leg injury that followed. From Diaz&rsquo;s point of view, stepping into that fight now wouldn&rsquo;t feel right.

He made it clear he&rsquo;s not chasing a name. He&rsquo;s chasing the best version of an opponent.

Diaz described McGregor as a great fighter but stressed that he prefers facing opponents when they&rsquo;re at full strength. There&rsquo;s no interest, he explained, in becoming the closing chapter of someone else&rsquo;s decline. The respect may not be obvious, but it shows in how he&rsquo;s approaching the decision.

<h2>A Different Fight, A Different Direction</h2>

Instead of revisiting history, Diaz is shifting focus. He&rsquo;s set to face Mike Perry in an upcoming bout under Most Valuable Promotions. The matchup offers something raw and unpredictable, exactly what Diaz seems to want right now.

He pointed out that the opportunity came close in value to the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/ufc-2026/265/1">UFC</a> offer, but with a different kind of appeal. Perry&rsquo;s reputation for relentless fighting played a major role in the decision. Diaz sounded energized by the risk, the kind that demands full commitment in training camp.

This shift also adds another layer to the ongoing UFC trilogy fight update, which now looks far less certain in the short term.

Still, Diaz didn&rsquo;t close the door entirely. He hinted that a third fight with McGregor could happen, but only under the right conditions. Both fighters, he suggested, would need to be rising, not recovering.

That detail matters. It reframes the rivalry as something unfinished, not abandoned.

Meanwhile, McGregor&rsquo;s return remains uncertain. Each delay adds more questions about when and how? He&rsquo;ll step back into competition. The UFC continues to explore options, but without Diaz, one of its biggest potential draws is on hold.

For now, the spotlight shifts. Diaz moves toward a fresh challenge. McGregor continues his road back. And the trilogy? It waits.

Nate Diaz rejects Conor McGregor trilogy for now, citing timing and form. UFC plans stall as Diaz targets a new high-risk fight instead.

Nate Diaz Shuts Down McGregor Trilogy Talk for Now

Speculation surrounding a potential showdown between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria recently gained momentum after reports from Spanish media suggested the two fighters had already agreed to a bout for the high-profile White House event. However, Dana White has now addressed the rumours and firmly denied that such a fight was ever planned for the card.

<h2>White Rejects Reports of Proposed Fight</h2>

According to Spanish media outlets, both fighters had allegedly reached an agreement for a clash last week. The reports further claimed that the Russian star pulled out of the arrangement on Friday, paving the way for Justin Gaethje to join the event lineup.

White, however, dismissed those claims while speaking to reporters during a Zuffa Boxing event on Sunday.

&ldquo;That is true [Justin Gaethje wasn&rsquo;t originally on the card]. It was never Islam versus Topuria.

&quot;Don&rsquo;t worry about what fights are being made. We announced which ones are made and which ones will be happening. I told you there were some weird circumstances [surrounding the late pullout].

&ldquo;The reason that fight fell out and it wasn&rsquo;t up on stage with Mick [Maynard], Hunter [Campbell] and Sean [Shelby], it was at Power Slap that the fight fell apart that night and all the boys went back to the office and were there until literally 9 in the morning and that&rsquo;s how Gaethje ended up on the card.

&quot;Topuria wasn&rsquo;t originally supposed to be on the card either. So he got the call, too.&quot;

<h2>Last-Minute Changes to the Fight Card</h2>

A bout scheduled for the White House event collapsed just 24 hours before the card was officially announced on Saturday, forcing <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/della-maddalena-vs-islam-makhachev-ufc-fight-analysis/2225-5-0">UFC</a> officials to quickly rearrange the lineup.

According to Dana White, the team worked overnight to restructure the card, which ultimately led to Justin Gaethje being added and sparked speculation about a Makhachev vs Topuria clash.

<h2>Update on Makhachev&rsquo;s Condition</h2>

White also shed light on Makhachev&rsquo;s current situation, confirming that the lightweight champion is dealing with a hand injury.

&ldquo;He&rsquo;s got some hand issues,&rdquo; White said of Makhachev.

&ldquo;I know that. I don&rsquo;t know how serious the hand issues are or how long that will keep him out, but he&rsquo;s injured.&rdquo;

For now, fans will have to wait for further updates regarding the return of the Russian star and whether a future matchup between the two fighters could still take shape.

Dana White denied reports of a Makhachev vs Topuria fight at the White House event and confirmed Makhachev is dealing with a hand injury.

Dana White Dismisses Reports of Makhachev vs Topuria Fight at White House Card

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UFC 2026

Adesanya vs Pyfer on March 29 2026 in Seattle was a major UFC Fight Night headlined by former two‑time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya taking on rising contender Joe Pyfer at Climate Pledge Arena. The bout ended in a shocking upset as Pyfer stopped Adesanya via TKO in the second round, marking a significant moment in both fighters’ careers. The event featured exciting finishes throughout the card and left fans buzzing about title implications and Adesanya’s future in the sport.

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UFC Fight Night - Adesanya vs Pyfer

In UFC Fight Night, Emmett and Vallejos went at it with non‑stop action right from the start. Both fighters showed serious skills and traded heavy shots, keeping fans hyped all the way through. It was a tough, entertaining fight with big moments that had everyone on the edge of their seats. A great night of MMA. Watch UFC Fight Night - Emmett vs Vallejos full match highlights in HD online on tapmad.

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UFC Fight Night - Evloev vs Murphy

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UFC Fight Night - Emmett vs Vallejos

In UFC 326, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira faced off in their highly anticipated rematch. Both fighters came out swinging with high‑intensity striking and nonstop action. The crowd was on its feet as each round delivered big moments and crazy exchanges. It was a fight full of heart, skill, and pure MMA excitement. Watch UFC full fight highlights in HD online on tapmad.

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UFC 326 - Holloway vs Oliveira 2

Watch UFC Fight Night - Moreno vs Kavanagh, Brandon Moreno secured a decisive victory over Kavanagh in a high-level contest. Moreno delivered a composed and technically refined performance, effectively controlling the pace of the bout. Kavanagh displayed commendable resilience and competitiveness but was unable to counter Moreno’s precision and tactical execution. The result further enhances Moreno’s standing within the division. Watch UFC full fight highlights in HD online on tapmad.

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UFC Fight Night - Moreno vs Kavanagh

At the UFC Fight Night on 22 February 2026 Sean Strickland defeated Kelvin Hernandez in a competitive matchup. Strickland showcased superior striking and tactical control throughout the fight, earning a decisive victory. Hernandez displayed resilience and skill but was unable to match Strickland’s precision and strategy. The win strengthens Strickland’s standing in the middleweight division. Watch UFC full fight highlights in HD online on tapmad.

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UFC Fight Night - Strickland vs Hernandez

UFC Fight Night Bautista vs Oliveira on 8 February 2026 saw Mario Bautista defeat Vinicius Oliveira in the main event via second-round submission (rear-naked choke), handing Oliveira his first UFC loss in several outings and ending his win streak. Bautista dominated on the ground and secured the tap, while Oliveira struggled, partly due to a reported injury. Overall, Bautista came out the clear winner and moved up the bantamweight ranks with this impressive finish. Watch UFC full fight highlights in HD online on tapmad.

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UFC Fight Night - Bautista vs Oliveira

UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 on 1 February featured an intense featherweight rematch where Alexander Volkanovski controlled the fight with sharp striking and smart movement. Diego Lopes applied pressure and had his moments, but Volkanovski’s experience and composure made the difference in a high-level, action-packed main event. Watch UFC 325 full fight highlights in HD online on tapmad.

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UFC 325 - Volkanovski vs Lopes 2

Experience an electrifying night of MMA action at UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs Pimblett, live on 25 January 2026. The explosive Justin Gaethje clashes with fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett in a high-stakes lightweight showdown that promises fireworks from start to finish. Featuring a stacked fight card with elite contenders and rising stars, this event delivers nonstop intensity, dramatic moments, and unforgettable battles inside the Octagon. Don’t miss one of the most anticipated UFC Fight Nights of the year. Watch UFC full fight highlights of Gaethje vs Pimblett in HD online on tapmad.

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UFC 2026

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UFC 2026 - Highlights