Tweet: Dana White entertains idea of Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler II

The UFC president likes the idea of a rematch between welterweight studs Robbie Lawler and Nick Diaz.

Don’t count out Nick Diaz just yet. On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission reduced their five-year suspension of Diaz to 18 months (retroactive Jan. 31, 2015), which means the Californian could return to the Octagon as early as August.

Diaz, 32, was suspended after one of his drug tests from UFC 183 flagged for marijuana metabolites. His opponent Anderson Silva – who takes on Michael Bisping in February – was also suspended after testing positive for anabolic steroids and anti-anxiety medication.

The Stockton product has fought just three times in the last four years but claims he’ll be “back to work” when his suspension expires in Summer.

One of Diaz’ most memorable victories came from UFC 47 against Robbie Lawler. “Ruthless”, who was expected to run through Diaz at the time (2004), was knocked out in the 2nd round after being antagonized by a series of taunts and middle fingers. And, although Nick’s most recent fights have been somewhat underwhelming, Dana White entertained the idea of a rematch with Lawler on Twitter.

@HighMusashi @nickdiaz209 I like it

— Dana White (@danawhite) January 13, 2016

Since 2004, Lawler and Diaz were both destined for different career trajectories. Cesar Gracie’s prized pupil captured the Strikeforce welterweight title in 2010 and developed somewhat of a cult following. Lawler, 33, had limited success in Strikeforce but saw a spectacular career resurgence when he returned to the UFC in 2013. The American Top Team fighter dethroned Johny Hendricks at UFC 181 and has defended the 170 lbs. title twice since.

Although Lawler is expected to take on either Tyron Woodley or the winner of Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson, a rematch with Diaz could prove to be the most lucrative deal for the UFC.

The UFC president likes the idea of a rematch between welterweight studs Robbie Lawler and Nick Diaz.

Don’t count out Nick Diaz just yet. On Tuesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission reduced their five-year suspension of Diaz to 18 months (retroactive Jan. 31, 2015), which means the Californian could return to the Octagon as early as August.

Diaz, 32, was suspended after one of his drug tests from UFC 183 flagged for marijuana metabolites. His opponent Anderson Silva – who takes on Michael Bisping in February – was also suspended after testing positive for anabolic steroids and anti-anxiety medication.

The Stockton product has fought just three times in the last four years but claims he’ll be “back to work” when his suspension expires in Summer.

One of Diaz’ most memorable victories came from UFC 47 against Robbie Lawler. “Ruthless”, who was expected to run through Diaz at the time (2004), was knocked out in the 2nd round after being antagonized by a series of taunts and middle fingers. And, although Nick’s most recent fights have been somewhat underwhelming, Dana White entertained the idea of a rematch with Lawler on Twitter.

Since 2004, Lawler and Diaz were both destined for different career trajectories. Cesar Gracie’s prized pupil captured the Strikeforce welterweight title in 2010 and developed somewhat of a cult following. Lawler, 33, had limited success in Strikeforce but saw a spectacular career resurgence when he returned to the UFC in 2013. The American Top Team fighter dethroned Johny Hendricks at UFC 181 and has defended the 170 lbs. title twice since.

Although Lawler is expected to take on either Tyron Woodley or the winner of Johny Hendricks vs. Stephen Thompson, a rematch with Diaz could prove to be the most lucrative deal for the UFC.