Nate Diaz Not Considering Retirement, Wants Mike Perry Rematch

Pulse Sports Team 11:17 - 18 May 2026

Nate Diaz is adamant about securing a rematch with Mike Perry.

Following a technical knockout loss last weekend, Diaz is pushing for an immediate rematch at an MVP MMA gala. He and Perry (15-8) faced off in the co-main event of MVP's inaugural MMA show, broadcast live on Netflix from the Intuit Dome. Despite the heavy blows he absorbed, Diaz (21-14) has no intention of taking a break and plans to begin preparations for the rematch as early as next week.

“Yeah, let’s get the preparation started as soon as possible,” Diaz stated at the post-fight press conference. “I’ll recover and start running on Monday.”

The bout between Diaz and Perry was an attractive and competitive one. However, Perry inflicted more damage, which impacted both the score and Diaz's face. The younger representative of the popular fighting family sustained a severe cut in the second round and bled profusely. The ringside doctor prevented him from continuing into the third round precisely because of the injuries. Over the years, Diaz has participated in numerous grueling battles that have left their marks. This isn't the first time he has lost a match due to a doctor's stoppage because of a cut. Although displeased with the outcome, Diaz stated he would not dispute the decision.

“Yeah, I was mad, but I understand,” Diaz commented. “I was bleeding a lot and I knew I wouldn’t be able to continue. I don’t think he would have achieved much more either, but I was blinded by the blood on my right side.”

Diaz has now had 35 professional MMA fights in his career, which began in 2004. The 41-year-old fighter says that retirement from the sport is not on the agenda.

“The show goes on,” Diaz said. “I feel the same way as when I was losing as a younger guy, and like my last loss. I don’t have a deadline, you know? This is forever. And when I quit, there’s no need to cry to the media and leave my gloves in the ring. You just go into the woods and live your life. Why do you have to explain why you’re not fighting anymore? Do whatever you want. But for now, I feel like I have a long way to go and a lot of things to do.”