The MMA world has been wondering whether or not Nick Diaz will ever return to fighting after a three-year hiatus following his no-contest against Anderson Silva back at UFC 183. That’s nearly an eternity when it comes to fight fans’ memories, but the appeal of the Stockton slugger has kept Diaz firmly in the conversation […]
The MMA world has been wondering whether or not Nick Diaz will ever return to fighting after a three-year hiatus following his no-contest against Anderson Silva back at UFC 183.
That’s nearly an eternity when it comes to fight fans’ memories, but the appeal of the Stockton slugger has kept Diaz firmly in the conversation despite the extended hiatus.
Diaz’ close friend and fellow MMA fighter Jake Shields is perhaps the best person to ask when it comes to the elder Diaz brother’s return, and according to him on a recent episode of The MMA Hour,thankfully, it looks like we’ll be seeing more Stockton slaps sooner than later:
“I think he will. I think he’ll fight again soon. I think he’s mentioned it in training a little bit. I haven’t been out there so I don’t know how much he’s been training but I’m pretty sure he’s been in the gym a decent amount and I would love to see him fight again. I think he’s still got some more in him. He hasn’t been training as much but he’s still in good shape and he can come back fast.”
“Nick is a hard person to predict. Only Nick really knows what he is going to do. People always ask ‘is Nick going to show up at a press conference?’ I’m like, ‘man, I can’t even tell you.’ Nic doesn’t even tell the people close to him, sometimes. He just kind of goes out and surprises everyone. Only Nick knows what he is going to do. If I had to guess I’d say he’ll fight again.”
Shields and Diaz are longtime members of “The Scrap Pack” alongside Nick’s younger brother Nate Diaz and Gilbert Melendez. The MMA landscape has changed drastically since Diaz’ suspension, with Tyron Woodley holding the welterweight belt and a slew of new faces populating the division.
The 34-year-old is a former Strikeforce welterweight champion and competed against former UFC champion Georges St-Pierre in a losing effort back at UFC 158.
Who would you like to see Nick Diaz fight upon his return?
Nick Diaz hasn’t fought since his no contest against Anderson Silva back in 2015, but interest in his comeback has remained at an all time high. Diaz fans can finally rejoice, as the Stockton Slapper was reinstated into the UFC and had his suspension officially end this week, making him eligible again to fight. Diaz […]
Nick Diaz hasn’t fought since his no contest against Anderson Silva back in 2015, but interest in his comeback has remained at an all time high. Diaz fans can finally rejoice, as the Stockton Slapper was reinstated into the UFC and had his suspension officially end this week, making him eligible again to fight.
Talks of fights with Conor McGregor, who his brother Nate went 1-1 with, welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, and many others have stated their intent to fight the elder Diaz brother.
Diaz’ suspension stems from his testing positive for marijuana, a subsequent offense, following his fight with Silva at UFC 183. Silva himself tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.
With no opponent or date set in stone yet, who should Diaz (26-9-2 NC) fight upon his UFC return?
With the UFC currently dealing with a lack of available stars, one would have to assume that the promotion is doing everything it can to lure former Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz back to the Octagon – and that may indeed be the case. After all, we all know how difficult it is to negotiate with
With the UFC currently dealing with a lack of available stars, one would have to assume that the promotion is doing everything it can to lure former Strikeforce champion Nick Diaz back to the Octagon – and that may indeed be the case. After all, we all know how difficult it is to negotiate with a Diaz brother.
Diaz hasn’t competed since a 2015 decision loss to former longtime middleweight champion Anderson Silva. After the fight, however, it was made clear that both men had failed drug tests, leading the result of the bout to be changed to a no contest. Diaz was originally handed a ludicrous five -year suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), but that was later changed to an 18-month suspension that expired last August.
With that being said, Diaz has essentially been eligible to compete for nearly 10 months now, but there has been little said in regards to his potential return.
When fantasizing about what it might take to get one of the UFC’s most outspoken stars back in the Octagon, it’s difficult to formulate a clear answer. If you think a title fight is the answer, you’re probably wrong. Diaz has never been focused on titles, but he’s instead shown interest in only big fights and big money.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at five fights that could realistically draw Nick Diaz back to the Octagon:
Rematch with Georges St. Pierre
It’s not uncommon for Diaz to engage in a battle of verbal warfare with his opponent, and his most popular rivalry came against former longtime welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre.
The two clearly had ill will towards each other, and it showed in the lead-up to their UFC 158 bout, which took place on March 16, 2013.
Despite the exciting promotion, however, the bout didn’t deliver on fight night. St. Pierre ended up scoring a dominant one-sided decision victory, as Diaz simply had little to offer the stifling Canadian.
St. Pierre only fought once more after defeating Diaz, going into a self-imposed “retirement” after his highly controversial split-decision victory over Johny Hendricks seven months later. “Rush” hasn’t fought since, but he has announced that he will be making his return to action in the near future. In fact, UFC President Dana White announced earlier this year that St. Pierre would be returning in a middleweight title fight against Michael Bisping, but that doesn’t seem to be the plan anymore.
St. Pierre is now in need of an opponent for his return bout, and both Diaz and himself still represent big names in the sport. Perhaps renewing an old rivalry would be enough to bring Diaz back to the fight game.
Rematch with Anderson Silva
Like his bout with St. Pierre, Diaz’s bout with Anderson Silva at UFC 183 in Jan. 2015 didn’t turn out as many had hoped it would, although it was still a big fight between two marquee names that sold somewhat well on pay-per-view.
Since that fight, Diaz has not competed. Silva, on the other hand, has lost two of his three bouts since then, dropping back-to-back decision losses to middleweight champion Bisping and light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. His most recent fight, however, resulted in a victory, as he outpointed Derek Brunson this past February at UFC 208.
At age 41, Silva’s skills and physical attributes have clearly began to decline, but like St. Pierre, he still represents a well-known name in the sport. “The Spider” has also expressed interest in a rematch with Diaz.
This fight would likely provide the Stockton native with a solid payday and it may be enough to draw him back to his old stomping grounds.
Title fight with Tyron Woodley
While it has seemed that titles don’t necessarily matter the most to Diaz, a title fight would certainly be a far more lucrative option than other fights. As a natural welterweight, a fight with reigning 170-pound champion Tyron Woodley could be an intriguing option for Diaz.
After winning the title last July with a brutal knockout victory over Robbie Lawler, Woodley quickly expressed interest in a bout with Diaz. Since then, he has put his title on the line twice, fighting to a majority draw with Stephen Thompson last November before scoring a decision victory over Thompson in their rematch this past March. He is expected to take on grappling wizard Demian Maia next, but a bout with Diaz would undoubtedly provide him with a far more lucrative option.
Money has proven to rule in today’s UFC landscape and a bout between Woodley and Diaz would represent one of the most enticing options at 170 pounds, at least from a financial aspect, which is why it may interest Diaz.
Title fight with Michael Bisping
Diaz has also competed at 185 pounds, and similarly to why a bout with Woodley may interest him, a bout with middleweight champion Bisping may get his blood flowing as well.
“The Count” has taken quite a roundabout way towards becoming champion of the middleweight division, and his title run has been just as strange. Stepping in on short notice at UFC 199 last year, Bisping stunned the world by knocking out Luke Rockhold to steal the title. He then defended the title with a decision victory over Dan Henderson last October in a bout that drew quite a bit of criticism due to the fact that “Hendo,” although a legend, was ranked No. 14 at the time.
Most recently, he was booked against St. Pierre in another bout that drew some criticism, although that fight has seemed to have fallen through. If the UFC were to book Bisping against Diaz, backlash may follow, but once again, it would sell.
Bisping and Diaz are two of the most polarizing trash talkers in the history of mixed martial arts. The promotion for a bout between the two of them would likely produce fireworks. Also, the two are polished volume punchers with bottomless gas tanks.
Perhaps this would be the fight to revive Diaz’s career.
Fight with Conor McGregor
I was hesitant to put this option on the list due to Conor McGregor’s history with Diaz’s younger brother Nate.
Nate shocked the MMA world at UFC 196 last year when he submitted the Irishman on less than two weeks’ notice. McGregor then scored a majority decision victory in the rematch between the two last August at UFC 202. A trilogy should possibly be an option down the road.
While Nick has indeed said that McGregor is Nate’s rival, the “Notorious” one represents the biggest money opponent in MMA, and Diaz loves money. The backstory behind a fight between McGregor and the elder Diaz brother would also be unparalleled.
Although it may be the least likely option on this list, I’d have to assume, if made possible, this fight would draw Diaz back to the cage.
Who would you like to see Nick Diaz fight if he were to make a return to MMA?
With the lack of stars currently available in the UFC, one would assume that the promotion is doing all in its power to get the Diaz brothers back in the Octagon, and according to UFC President Dana White, that is indeed the case, although it doesn’t appear to be shaping up too well. Recently speaking
With the lack of stars currently available in the UFC, one would assume that the promotion is doing all in its power to get the Diaz brothers back in the Octagon, and according to UFC President Dana White, that is indeed the case, although it doesn’t appear to be shaping up too well.
Recently speaking on the matter, White said that Nick Diaz recently turned down two fights and that Nate Diaz was recently offered a fight, although he’s yet to respond:
Negotiations Went ‘Well’ Last Time…
“We just offered Nate Diaz a fight, and we’re waiting to hear back from him, so we’ll see,” White told USA TODAY Sports. “These guys say they want a fight – I offered Nick Diaz two fights. He turned down two fights. I offered him Robbie Lawler. Robbie Lawler accepted the fight. Then I offered him Demian Maia. Nick Diaz turned down two fights. And then we just offered Nate a fight.”
Nick recently finished serving an 18-month suspension handed to him by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after he once again tested positive for Marijuana metabolites surrounding his Jan. 2015 bout with Anderson Silva. He is now free to fight, although it’s unclear if the UFC is willing to pay him the type of money he’s asking for, which is likely a large amount.
Nate, on the other hand, infamously fought Conor McGregor twice last year, submitting the Irishman at March’s UFC 196 and dropping a majority decision in the rematch at UFC 202 in August. He has said that he will only return for a trilogy bout with McGregor, so it’s unlikely that he’ll be accepting the UFC’s offer unless it is indeed another scrap with the “Notorious” one, who currently holds the promotion’s lightweight title.
Do you expect to see either of the Diaz brothers fight in 2017?
Tyron Woodley will once again put his UFC welterweight title on the line against top contender Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, as the two are set to rematch in the main event of March 4’s UFC 209 from Las Vegas, Nevada. The two men first fought at UFC 205 last November, going back-and-forth for five rounds in
Tyron Woodley will once again put his UFC welterweight title on the line against top contender Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, as the two are set to rematch in the main event of March 4’s UFC 209 from Las Vegas, Nevada. The two men first fought at UFC 205 last November, going back-and-forth for five rounds in a bout that was ultimately deemed a majority draw.
While the rematch certainly makes sense, Woodley seemed to be more interested in ‘money fights’ with Georges St. Pierre and Nick Diaz rather than fighting Thompson again. In fact, Woodley thinks the UFC ‘missed’ an opportunity by not booking against Diaz at UFC 209:
“I think it’s a missed opportunity for the UFC to push someone that is a legend for the sport,” Woodley told MMAFighting.com. “An all-time top five welterweight, someone I saw a lot in Strikeforce and always, it was more of a respect thing that, I think someone who has done that much for the sport, it was getting to the point where the platform was higher than the paycheck, he probably should have been able to fight.”
Diaz hasn’t competed since 2015 when he lost a decision to Anderson Silva, although it was later changed to a no-contest after both men failed drug tests. The Stockton native tested positive for Marijuana metabolites, leading the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to hand him a fine as well as an 18-month suspension. He is now clear to fight, however.
Despite Woodley’s interest in fighting Diaz, he will have to set his focus on “Wonderboy”, as the fight is a done deal. “The Chosen One” knew he would have to share the Octagon with Thompson again at some point, although he didn’t feel as if it needed to be an immediate rematch:
“It’s my goal to be the best welterweight ever,” Woodley said. “I always knew I’d have to fight him again, but I didn’t feel obligated to have to fight him next. Even if I had held out, or took another fight, or he fought somebody else, I knew I’d have to fight him again, he’s a high-level guy and he got here for a reason so he’d probably beat the other person to get here. So I knew i would fight him again but I didn’t feel I had to fight him next.”
While Diaz is certainly a big star and a fan favorite, although he hasn’t won a fight since 2011. Should the Stockton native have received a title shot upon his return, or did the UFC make the right call by booking Woodley-Thompson II?
Former Strikeforce welterweight champion and UFC fan favorite Nick Diaz hasn’t competed since surrendering a decision loss to Anderson Silva in January 2015, although that loss was later changed to a no-contest after Silva tested positive for multiple banned substances. Diaz also tested positive for Marijuana metabolites, leading the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to
Former Strikeforce welterweight champion and UFC fan favorite Nick Diaz hasn’t competed since surrendering a decision loss to Anderson Silva in January 2015, although that loss was later changed to a no-contest after Silva tested positive for multiple banned substances. Diaz also tested positive for Marijuana metabolites, leading the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to hand him an 18-month suspension as well as a fine.
Diaz’s suspension ended this past August, but he was only recently cleared to fight after paying his fine. With that being said, the Stockton native doesn’t currently have a fight lined up, but that isn’t because the UFC hasn’t offered him one according to color commentator Joe Rogan.
Speaking on a recent edition of his podcast, Rogan said that Diaz turned down a bout with former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler:
“Apparently they offered Nick Diaz Robbie Lawler, and Nick passed on it,” Rogan said.
This potential bout would actually be a rematch, as Diaz and Lawler did battle back at UFC 47 in 2004. Diaz got the better of the “Ruthless” one 13 years ago, scoring a brutal second round knockout victory.
Lawler hasn’t competed since surrendering his title to Tyron Woodley last July at UFC 201. He was rumored to be taking on Donald Cerrone at November 12’s UFC 205, but he said that he needed more time after being knocked out by Woodley.
The fight would certainly make sense given Diaz’s star power and the fact that Lawler is looking to bounce back.
