Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
It’s been two years since Nate Diaz last stepped foot inside the Octagon, losing to Conor McGregor at UFC 202 back in August of 2016 in their highly-anticipated rematch. But the Stockton slugger is finally ready to dust off his gloves and get back to what he does best, as he is lined up to face Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 on August 17 in Anaheim, CA.
It’s a fight that will take place at Welterweight, as “Showtime” made the move up earlier this year, making a splash in his divisional debut by absolutely smoking Stephen Thompson (highlights). While the heat between Diaz and Pettis may not be as hot as the one with Nate and McGregor, the two do have history.
Indeed, Pettis and Diaz have gone back and forth over the last couple of years, going as far as having near-confrontation in a nightclub.
For Pettis, taking Nate out will likely catapult his stock up the 170-pound division, which is currently stacked to the brim with countless contenders who can easily fight for the title at the drop of the hat. For Diaz, getting back in the win column is priority number one before he can even start sniffing his second-ever title fight inside the Octagon.
The matchup will see two of the most well-rounded fighters in the game, as either man can knock you out on the feet as easily as he can submit you or outwork you to earn a decision win. Ahead of the pivotal bout, UFC has released a promo video highlighting the fight, which will co-headline the card.
In the main event, Daniel Cormier will rematch Stipe Miocic in a Heavyweight title fight, while Paulo Costa and Yoel Romero will finally get it on in Middleweight action. To see who else is fighting at the UFC 241 PPV event click here.