Nate Diaz's current physical condition has been showcased just 12 days ahead of his bout with Mike Perry at an MVP league tournament. The 41-year-old Diaz last competed in MMA in 2022, when he submitted Tony Ferguson. Since then, he has only participated in two boxing matches and did not compete at all in 2025. The upcoming MVP event will also feature Francis Ngannou's return, along with bouts between Rousey and Carano, and Mokaev versus Moraes. Diaz's return to competition after an extended layoff has generated interest given his age and time away from MMA.
Footage of Nate Diaz in training has emerged just 12 days before the Stockton native is scheduled to face Mike Perry at an MVP league tournament event, offering a first look at his physical condition heading into the fight.
Diaz, 41, carries a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 13 losses and competes out of the Cesar Gracie Fight Team. Standing six feet tall with a 76-inch reach, the southpaw is known for his volume and submission threat, averaging 4.57 significant strikes per minute alongside 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes across his career. His last MMA appearance came in 2022, when he submitted Tony Ferguson. Since that outing he has boxed twice and did not compete at all in 2025, making this return a notable one given the extended layoff.
His opponent, Mike Perry, is 34 years old and holds a record of 14 wins and 8 losses. Known by the nickname Platinum, Perry stands five-foot-ten with a 71-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance as an independent. He lands 4.32 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more efficient pure strikers in his bracket.
The Ferguson fight that marked Diaz's MMA farewell involved Tony Ferguson, now 42, who owns a 26-11 record and sports the same 76-inch reach as Diaz. Ferguson averages 4.91 significant strikes per minute and has long been regarded as one of the more durable and high-output fighters in the sport.
Why it matters
- Diaz returns to action after more than three years away from MMA, raising questions about ring rust at 41.
- The reach and size disparity favors Diaz over Perry, though Perry's striking accuracy edges him.
- The MVP card also features Francis Ngannou's return and several other high-profile matchups, raising the event's overall profile.
- A strong showing could reshape Diaz's options in both MMA and boxing going forward.
