Nate Diaz will make his return to the Octagon for a welterweight clash with former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 on Aug. 17 live on PPV from inside Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
UFC president Dana White announced the booking earlier tonight via Instagram.
Diaz, 34, will be making his first Octagon appearance since losing a decision to rival Conor McGregor back in 2016. The Stockton native was previously scheduled to fight Dustin Poirier back at UFC 230 before an injury to “Diamond” stalled Diaz’s comeback. A win over Pettis won’t position Diaz for a title shot at welterweight, over even lightweight, but it will land Diaz back in the driver’s seat to score a money fight this winter.
Pettis, 32, is coming off a fabulous knockout victory over two-time title challenger Stephen “Wondeboy” Thompson back in March. “Showtime” hasn’t been that consistent over the past few years, but he remains one of the best strikers in MMA today. He’ll be a tough test for a returning Diaz even if Nate possesses a size advantage come fight night.
UFC 241 will be headlined by a heavyweight rematch between current champion Daniel Cormier and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
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