- The 40-year-old fighter will make a shock return to the octagon in August
- Nick Diaz hasn’t fought in the UFC since being defeated by Robbie Lawler in 2021
- UFC president Dana White has revealed that Diaz will face Vicente Luque
Nick Diaz returns to the octagon for the first time in almost three years after being named to the upcoming card for the UFC’s Fight Night in Abu Dhabi.
The American’s inclusion came as a surprise when UFC president Dana White announced the roster for the main card scheduled for August 3 at the Etihad Arena.
Diaz hasn’t fought since 2021, when he was knocked out by Robbie Lawler at a time when he was thought to be past his prime.
However, the 40-year-old fighter will get the chance to revive his career when he takes on Vicente Luque in a five-round co-main event.
Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov will be the other main event when the pair meet in a bantamweight clash.
Nick Diaz returns to the octagon for the first time in almost three years at UFC’s Fight Night in Abu Dhabi
The 40-year-old Diaz has not fought since being convincingly defeated by Robbie Lawler (left) in 2021
Meanwhile, Diaz has been training with his younger brother and UFC icon, Nate Diaz, in preparation for the Saudi showdown and has been active in the gym as he waited for another competitive opportunity.
The former welterweight prospect is considered one of the UFC’s toughest fighters and boasts a record of 26 wins and 10 losses.
In his upcoming fight, Diaz will look to record a first win in over a decade, with his last win coming against BJ Penn in 2011.
Diaz will take on Vicente Luque (pictured) in a welterweight bout in early August
Diaz has since lost to Lawler, Georges St-Pierre, Carlos Condit and Anderson Silva, but his defeat to Silva was later rescinded after the Brazilian tested positive for a banned substance.
Announcing Diaz’s return to the octagon, Whit told supporters to expect “war” as the California-born competitors make his shock return.
“The five-round co-main event will see Nick Diaz return to the welterweight division to battle No. 14 ranked Vicente Luque in what is sure to be an absolute war,” said White.
However, despite his reputation, Diaz will be the underdog when he takes on an opponent in the form of Luque, who was defeated by Joaquin Buckley last time out.