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UFC president Dana White gives his own update on Nick Diaz’s career situation.
UFC veteran and fan-favorite Nick Diaz has not seen action for nearly five years now. But over the last couple of months, he’s been hinting at a possible return, while putting the onus on the company to make it happen.
From his end, UFC president Dana White isn’t privy about anything regarding Diaz’s career. But apparently, the company matchmakers have been in talks with the 36-year-old fighter.
“I haven’t, but I know that our matchmakers have,” White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto when asked if he had been in touch with Diaz (transcript by MMA Mania).
Diaz’s urge to come back is likely fueled by his desire to avenge his brother Nate’s loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 in November. White, however, still believes Nick is no longer interested in fighting.
“But I have said it before and I will say it again, I don’t think Nick Diaz wants to fight,” White said. “I don’t think has that love, that passion for fighting. I think it’s sort of a love-hate relationship for him. All the things Nick has is because of fighting, but I don’t think he loves to do it.
“That’s up to Nick,” he added. “He knows whether he wants to fight or not. There are guys that I think should be finished and want them to retire, because I don’t want to see them get hurt or maybe I feel they can’t compete at this level anymore,”
Diaz last fought at UFC 183 against Anderson Silva in January 2015. He lost via decision, but the fight was overturned to a No Contest after both competitors failed their respective drug tests.