Is Nick Diaz Planning A UFC Return?

By FIGHTSPORTS Sep 7, 2020

Does Nick Diaz have his eyes on the Octagon once again?

Diaz has not been seen in action since January 31, 2015. He initially dropped a unanimous decision to Anderson Silva. The bout was overturned to a No Contest after Silva failed a drug test. Diaz also failed his drug test for marijuana. He was hit with a four-year suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission but after some blowback, the sanction was greatly reduced. Still, Diaz has chosen to sit on the sidelines.

Things might be changing for the Stockton native. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reports that Diaz appears to be gearing up for a return.

This is Nick Diaz earlier today. He weighs in the 175-165 pound range, per his manager Kevin Mubenga.
He just completed a 14-week diet and training regimen. This is the first time he cuts weight in approximately four years, Mubenga said. Diaz wanted to do a test cut because … pic.twitter.com/5A8EvyLeUn

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 7, 2020

… he is keeping a close eye on the big welterweight fights coming up. He is “100%” planning on fighting again, per Mubenga, and is targeting an early 2021 return. (📽 @elfrogito)

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 7, 2020

Diaz’s pro MMA record currently sits at 26-9, 2 NC. His last win was back on October 29, 2011. He defeated B.J. Penn via unanimous decision. The victory earned him an interim UFC welterweight title shot against Carlos Condit, which he dropped via unanimous decision. He ended up getting a championship opportunity against main champion Georges St-Pierre, falling short in that title fight as well.

While Diaz has been seen inside the Octagon and fighting under the PRIDE FC banner, many agree that his peak was during his days as the Strikeforce Welterweight Champion. Time will tell if he can recapture those glory days.

Nick’s brother, Nate, has seen his popularity skyrocket. Nate’s stock took off after his two memorable bouts with Conor McGregor. He is currently in talks with the UFC for a rematch with Jorge Masvidal. It’ll be interesting to see what type of buzz Nick can generate at this stage of the game.