UFC 300 is expected to deliver a loaded lineup for the historic event set to take place in Las Vegas on April 13, following a year of unrivaled chaos. UFC CEO Dana White has ensured an arguably stacked lineup, potentially one of the most unpredictable in the company’s history. As the countdown to UFC 300 continues, strong rumors suggest that Nate Diaz might be making a comeback to the promotion.
Adding to the roster of four title fights scheduled for the first quarter of the year, including Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title and Mayra Bueno Silva vs Raquel Pennington for the vacant women’s bantamweight title at UFC 297, Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title at UFC 298, and Sean O’Malley vs Marlon Vera for the bantamweight title at UFC 299, the rumor of Diaz’s return has roused much speculation.
UFC 300 + Diaz
Diaz hinted at a potential return to UFC with a cryptic message in December, stating: “UFC 300 would be tight, but there’s nobody to fight“.
A two-time welterweight title challenger, Diaz has long been a UFC mainstay. However, he split from the company after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022 upon the expiry of his contract. Despite severing ties with the UFC for a brief while, Diaz’s reference to UFC 300 in his tweet rekindled anticipations for his return. Post his stint with UFC, Diaz participated in a boxing match against Jake Paul, ultimately losing in a unanimous decision.
However, two lightweight contenders have shown interest in facing Diaz. Dustin Poirier, who had to withdraw from facing Diaz at UFC 230 due to an injury, suggested a resolution to their previous matchup could be on the cards. Michael Chandler also expressed interest in a potential fight with Diaz in the UFC, as he continues to anticipate a bout with Conor McGregor.
Apart from Diaz, other top fighters have expressed interest in participating in UFC 300. Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight king, may also fight in this event against the undefeatable Khamzat Chimaev. Similarly, Tom Aspinall has also been vocal about his desire to return to the Octagon, having been idle since 2024.
In addition to the rumblings about possible matchups, UFC CEO Dana White has officially announced the first three fights for the mega event. Aljamain Sterling, the former UFC bantamweight champion, will move up to the featherweight division to face Calvin Kattar. Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka will return after recovering from a shoulder injury to face Aleksandar Rakic. Meanwhile, super prospect Bo Nickal will go against Cody Brundage.
Presenting an interesting twist, Alex Pereira, the two-division UFC champion, posed an intriguing math problem on Instagram, where many suggest he is hinting at another potential shift to heavyweight. Speculations surrounding Alex’s intentions have only added to the suspense of who he might potentially fight at UFC 300.
Rumors and opinions aside, the promising UFC 300 lineup includes Aljamain Sterling vs Calvin Kattar, Jiri Prochazka vs Aleksandar Rakic, and Bo Nickal vs Cody Brundage. A potential return for Diaz would undoubtedly add to the anticipation for this historic event. While it still remains uncertain whether Diaz will step back into the UFC octagon, UFC 300 promises a memorable night of elite-level mixed martial arts, whatever the final card may be.
Apart from the Diaz rumors, another potential highlight of UFC 300 is the likely return of Georges St-Pierre, former reigning welterweight champion and current middleweight title holder for his farewell bout. Unseen in the Octagon since November 2024, fans are fervently awaiting the return of the Canadian legend who made UFC history in 2024 by becoming a two-weight world champion.
On his social media platforms, Georges St-Pierre has been dropping hints about making a return, training extensively and insinuating that he’s ready to add another feather to his cap. Moreover, as sources suggest, a proposed match-up for Georges St-Pierre could be Kamaru Usman, which is creating a buzz in the MMA world. The clash of the two prolific, enduring champions is eagerly anticipated, submitted as a landmark event in the UFC chronicles.
It’s also a big year for former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz, who has risen swiftly up the ranks. After a victory over Thiago Santos at UFC 296, Blachowicz looks to take on Anthony Smith at UFC 300 to lay his claim to the light heavyweight throne once again. Blachowicz, with his iron will, is determined to usher in the era of the “Prince of Cieszyn” once again.
For the female fighters, Amanda Nunes, the women’s featherweight champion, has agreed to headline UFC 300. Nunes, who is regarded as one of the greatest female fighters in the history of MMA, is rumored to defend her featherweight title against Irene Aldana. Assuming Nunes comes out victorious at UFC 300, her legacy as the most dominant women’s champion in UFC history would undoubtedly be solidified.
Another possible addition to the UFC 300 lineup is a rematch between Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman. The duo’s rivalry dates back to 2018 when a disgruntled Usman confronted Covington backstage at UFC 235. Their heated clash in the past has stirred up curiosity among the fans. They now eagerly anticipate another highlight reel moment in the proposed rematch. This could be the perfect stage for Usman to prove once again he’s undisputed in the welterweight division.
UFC 300, Unlikely match-up
Fan-favorite Jon Jones has also been rumored to make his much-anticipated return on the stage of UFC 300. Jones, who has been dealing with personal and legal problems outside the cage, could get the chance to redeem his name.
UFC 300 is not just another number on the UFC event calendar; it symbolizes the pinnacle of decades of dedication to progressing MMA into a mainstream sport. With the potentially thrilling line-up of fighters thirsty for recognition, glory, and gold, UFC 300 is poised to be a breathtaking spectacle of martial prowess and grit.
Whether it’s the return of timeless veterans like Georges St-Pierre and Jon Jones or the impending rivalries of current champions like Kamaru Usman, the event packs a punch for every UFC enthusiast, thereby justifying the anticipation for UFC 300. As rumors continue to circulate about the return of Nate Diaz, fans are eagerly waiting for official confirmations. Nonetheless, irrespective of the final card, UFC 300 will undoubtedly be a monumental venture and a hallmark in the annals of MMA history.
Comments:
Nate Diaz vs Dustin Poirier would be a dream come true!
Hold up, aren’t we forgetting that Diaz lost to Jake Paul in a boxing match? How can we even expect him to stand against UFC fighters?
Chill, that was boxing. This is MMA. A completely different game. Nate has always put up great fights in the Octagon.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Diaz vs Michael Chandler either. Chandler’s been eyeing that bout with McGregor though.
I’m more interested to see the Adesanya vs Chimaev match-up. If it actually happens, it’s going to be massive.
Guys you’re forgetting GSP might return too. Imagine a GSP vs Usman bout! That’s what I’m excited about.
Well, whatever the line-up, UFC 300 is going to be historic. Can’t wait for it!
I hope Jon Jones redeems himself this time. He’s been dealing with a lot of issues, but his talent is undeniable.
Amanda Nunes is going to reign once again, mark my words! There’s no stopping her.
I’m not so sure, Aldana is a tough competitor. This could be a tough match for Nunes.
Let’s not forget about Jan Blachowicz either. His fight with Anthony Smith could be career-defining for both.