Dana White Not Sold On Nick Diaz Making UFC Return In 2021

UFC President Dana White says he isn’t convinced that Nick Diaz will be back in action in 2021.

Talks of a potential Diaz return began to heat up when his manager posted images and a video of Nick, who appeared to be in phenomenal shape. During an appearance on the Fight Game Chronicles podcast, Kevin Mubenga, Diaz’s manager, expressed his belief that Nick will make his return to the Octagon.

Speaking to The Schmo, White wasn’t nearly as optimistic about the possibility of a Diaz return (h/t MMAJunkie.com).

“Everything that I see from Nick Diaz doesn’t look like he wants to or is ready to compete in this sport. Even Jon Jones, as good as Jon Jones is, you have to be 100 percent mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to train, be ready for this, and fight. I don’t think anyone should wanna see Nick Diaz fight.

“Nick Diaz has been in a lot of wars, he’s accomplished a lot of great things in his career, he’s made a lot of money, he’s obviously super-famous. He’s gotten everything you could hope to get out of fighting. I just don’t know why, when I see his Instagram, why he would come back.”

Diaz hasn’t competed in an MMA bout since January 2015. He initially suffered a unanimous decision loss to Anderson Silva. That ruling was changed to a No Contest after Silva failed a drug test. Diaz was also initially suspended for five years due to testing positive for marijuana. After blowback from media members and fans, the Nevada State Athletic Commission greatly reduced the sanction. Still, Diaz chose to remain inactive.