Dana White has been doing the media rounds ahead of UFC 272, and the headlines are dropping left and right.
Most notably, the UFC president has spoken about a potential comeback for Conor McGregor, and also referenced what could be next for Nate Diaz.
Speaking with TMZ, White explained that the UFC’s plan is to eventually book Diaz vs. former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, but also said that he expects to see a trilogy fight between Diaz and McGregor at some point in the future, too.
“Speaking about Diaz-Poirier, White said, “We’re still working on it, that fight’s not done yet
“But yeah, I wouldn’t count out Conor-Nate 3.
“I’d be shocked if that fight didn’t happen again.”
Diaz entered the conversation via a tweet that suggested the UFC need to pump the brakes on any thoughts of a trilogy fight.
“Conor’s gonna have to get him some wins and prove he’s not so fragile first,” he posted.
https://t.co/ail592iItK via @YouTube
Conor’s gonna have to get him some wins and prove he’s not so fragile first ..
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) March 2, 2022
The UFC lightweight title picture remains a crowded one. Reigning champion Charles Oliveira is set to face Justin Gaethje in a title fight at UFC 274, while Russian contender Islam Makhachev is still looking for his own shot at the gold after defeating Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night 202. Michael Chandler remains a factor, as is Poirier.
But, despite the plethora of top contenders in the division, McGregor still sees himself as a bonafide title contender, and White said the Dubliner can’t wait to return to the fray.
“He’s chomping at the bit to come back,” White told TMZ.
“Realistically, when you look at everything that he’s got going on right now with coming back and other things that need to be done to get ready to prepare again, it’s probably early fall.”