Nick Diaz was recently spotted at UFC Performance Institute ahead of his much-anticipated return to the UFC Octagon in 2023. The Stockton Slugger signed a two-fight deal back in 2021, where he took on Robbie Lawler in a five-round fight back at UFC 266.
“You can see me back on top in 2023, I’m making a comeback,” Diaz said. “I’m going to be quicker than ever, stronger than ever, better than ever — I’m just gonna be a whole new me. Whoever is on top at the time [I want], preferably Israel Adesanya, if he gets his title back.” Nick Diaz had said.
Nick now looks far better than he did when he fought Robbie
— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) December 21, 2022
It’s safe to say Nick Diaz is a huge name in the world of mixed martial arts and his return to the cage invites great attention. UFC seems to be doing everything in its capacity to maintain the fact that Nick Diaz is actively training and is fit to compete again, but fans seem to have enough of it.
UFC fans blast UFC for promoting Nick Diaz’s comeback to the Octagon
The former Strikeforce Welterweight champion and UFC title challenger made his much-anticipated return to the cage in a rematch against Ruthless Robbie Lawler on the main card of Volkanovski vs Ortega in September 2021. He lost the fight via TKO in the third round in a bizarre ending that saw Diaz wave his hand and seemingly give up after brutal punishment from Lawler.
It was later revealed by Nick Diaz’s coach Cesar Gracie that the elder Diaz fought Lawler with two ruptured disks in his neck. More than a year removed from that fight, Nick will look to once again steal the show inside the Octagon, but the discouraging comments from fans are telling a different story.
not impressed
— PredictionDog (@dog_prediction) December 29, 2022
oh, yea a 39 yr. old who has fought once in 7 years and gave up in the middle of that one, who’s 1 win 3 losses and 1 n/c in last 5 fights, what’s he taking over the game room at the retirement center?
— amplus rick (@AmplusRick) December 29, 2022
Man stop hyping this old dude. He can’t even beat over the hill Lawler in one of the most scripted LIVE fights I’ve ever watched. Lawler was paid to lose and still won💀
— ZaritMo (@ZaritMo1) December 29, 2022
Please god no.
— Adam Mitchell (@DrYoloNuggets) December 30, 2022
Please no more fights. Don’t turn him into the next BJ penn
— Penny eater champion (@blobfishfan69) December 30, 2022
At 39 years of age, and on an extended hiatus, it will be a fairytale come true if Nick Diaz manages to script some kind of history in his UFC return. It’s hard not to agree with a lot of fans, who opine Nick Diaz should not return to the Octagon considering his age and lack of activity. However, it is also possible that Nick Diaz could just be looking at fulfilling his contract so he can venture into professional boxing much like his brother, Nate Diaz.
Moreoever, it is being reported that Nick Diaz’s decision to compete in the UFC is partly due to his financial condition at the time. Be that as it may, it won’t stop fans from arguing whether or not Nick Diaz should fight again. Oh, also, he wants to fight Israel Adesanya.