Could 2017 see the trilogy fight between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz actually take place inside a boxing ring? Following McGregor’s application for a professional boxers licence in the state of California, his two-fight rival has now followed suit and done the same in Nevada.

The executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), Bob Bennet, told ESPN how Diaz had provided video footage of him showcasing his boxing skills and the commission is expected to give the green light on the licence.

With Diaz having paid his $50,000 fine to the NSAC for his part in the bottle throwing incident at the UFC 202 pre-fight press conference, he’s in the all clear with the commission and has no outstanding issues to attend to.

“Nate paid his fine and has requested a boxing license,” Bennett told ESPN. “Upon his submission of the required licensing information, we expect to approve his license as of this date. We welcome Nate and his older brother, Nick, to fight in Las Vegas, whether it’s with the UFC or a boxing promoter.”

Last year saw both Diaz and McGregor headline two blockbuster UFC events; UFC 196 and UFC 202, which blew gate and pay-per-view numbers out of the water and with that series tied at one a piece. Fight fans are still clambering for the trilogy fight.

Diaz is no stranger to the boxing world, having brought in Andre Ward as a sparring partner for previous fight camps. McGregor has been all over the news recently in his back and forth with Floyd Mayweather.

With both MMA fighters now one step firmly in the boxing world it will no doubt cause my speculation on the future of both stars both in the sport, but also where their expected future trilogy may take place.