Max Holloway‘s fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 not only honored a retiring legend but also reignited the MMA world. As fans celebrated Holloway’s BMF moment in New Orleans, a familiar name reappeared: Nate Diaz. Though he hasn’t competed in the UFC since 2022, Diaz’s presence continues to cast a shadow over the BMF belt’s legacy. Now that ‘Blessed’ holds the title, talk of a long-awaited fight is gaining serious momentum.

A few days earlier, as Holloway’s brutal KO from UFC 318 replayed across every feed, ‘The Stockton Slugger’ posted, “This fight’s for my belt.” Now, just days after the first callout, Nate Diaz has issued another reminder. His message was short and sharp, as usual: “This guy cool, but he keeps wearing my belt 😡.”

The belt in question, of course, is the same symbolic title Diaz fought Jorge Masvidal for at Madison Square Garden and lost. But for Nate, the belt’s ownership isn’t determined by a judge’s scorecard. It is about what it represents. And now that ‘Blessed’ has it, Nate Diaz wants to remind the world who had it first.

While some fans dismissed the callout as a classic Diaz act, others rallied behind ‘The Stockton Slugger’ with urgency. “Now we’re talking,” one fan wrote, definitely sensing the potential of a legendary battle between the two BMFs. Another chimed in, “Interesting. It would be a war, that’s for sure. Nate vs. Max.”

For many, the idea of a showdown between the two isn’t just entertaining; it’s also long overdue. One fan wrote, “If that fight happens, it will be the first pay-per-view in many moons that I will be buying. Get it done @ufc @danawhite please. 🙏” Another echoed the sentiment, “That’s a great fight!! Book it @danawhite.” The noise is growing louder, and it’s not just casual fans who are taking notice.

Of course, the opposite half of the fandom was not shy either. Warnings poured in just as quickly as support. “I love you, Nate, but don’t do this; @BlessedMMA would probably k*ll you,” one fan warned. Others were more blunt: “You would get smoked,” and “Oh no Holloway gonna sleep Diaz 👀.”

Another fan praised Diaz’s history but said it clearly: “You are the GOAT, but your time has come and gone. You would just be a punching bag.” The divide is clear: although many are excited about the clash, there is real concern about Nate Diaz’s ability to compete with Holloway at his peak.

As the MMA world discusses, Dana White once again finds himself in the spotlight. The UFC CEO has always admired fighters who make their own headlines, and Diaz is doing just that. Fans have started tagging White directly, requesting the fight. And given White’s glowing review of Holloway’s performance at UFC 318, it wouldn’t take much convincing. However, it isn’t just Max Holloway who is on Nate Diaz’s radar.

Nate Diaz also seeks a trilogy fight against Conor McGregor

While the BMF talk has revived Nate Diaz’s name, another familiar target remains on his radar: Conor McGregor. ‘The Stockton Slugger’ told Chuck Liddell on Out Cold that if he could fight anyone right now, he would choose Conor McGregor. Their 2016, one-a-piece rivalry remains unresolved, and Diaz wants the last fight.

It’s more than just settling the score; it’s about seizing the spotlight in classic Diaz style. He’s not calling for a tune-up. He wants McGregor to return, make a statement, and remind people why he was once the biggest name in the sport. “Everybody’s hating on him. I’d like to beat up somebody on top of the world,” Diaz said.

Given how close their second bout was, with many feeling Diaz won, fans have been calling for a trilogy. Now that both men are outside the UFC cage, the timing feels right. If that doesn’t happen, Nate Diaz has other ideas. Ilia Topuria caught his eye, although the 40-year-old considers him “a little small.”

In boxing, he hopes to face Canelo Alvarez or Terence Crawford. “I ain’t asking for nothing,” Diaz said, “but when I whoop someone’s a–, I’m gonna get them motherf——, too.” Diaz is plotting his next move, whether in the UFC or boxing, and he wants it to be loud.