One of the more popular MMA fighters over the last fifteen years is planning on making a comeback. The older brother of Nate Diaz, Nick Diaz (26-9, 2 NC), is planning on making his UFC return in early 2021. The story was first reported by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
Diaz hasn’t competed inside the UFC since 2015. The elder Diaz returned at UFC 183 to fight Anderson Silva. Diaz had moments in that fight, but was outpointed by The Spider. Per his manager, Diaz has just completed a test weight cut in preparations for a 2021 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
UFC Matchups for Diaz
2021 could be a very busy couple of months inside the UFC for the Diaz brothers. It was reported last week that Nate Diaz would be rematching with Jorge Masvidal. The elder Diaz had expressed interest in fighting Masvidal himself.
If/when Nick Diaz returns to the UFC, I expect the promotion to give him a ranked opponent. Sure, Diaz wouldn’t have fought in six years when he returns, but he’s not going to fight some nobody. I think a perfect comeback fight could be Robbie Lawler.
Lawler is in a weird stage in his career. He’s nearing the end with no path towards a title shot. Still, he’s a top 15 fighter, and he has history with Diaz. Diaz knocked out Lawler when they first fought at UFC 47.
A fight between the two could serve as a good barometer on where Diaz is at. No matter who the UFC pairs him up with, expect there to be great interest. Both Diaz brothers know how to draw a crowd no matter who they’re fighting.