Yesterday it was reported by MMA journalist Ariel Helwani that former UFC welterweight contender Nick Diaz is working towards a potential return to the octagon in 2021.
Nick, the older brother of Nate Diaz, last fought in January 2015 against Anderson Silva, a fight that resulted in a no-contest after both men failed drug tests. Subsequently, Diaz was given a five-year ban from the sport, a sentence which was later reduced, but he hasn't fought since.
While Nate has become one of the more popular fighters in the UFC following his storied rivalry with Conor McGregor, it's easy to forget just how entertaining the older Diaz brother was himself and the UFC would only benefit from his return. At 37 years old, Nick isn't quite done yet and could realistically compete with a number of guys throughout the 170lb division. That being said, here are the five guys that would make the most sense for Nick Diaz's return to the octagon.
Robbie Lawler
A rematch over 16 years in the making, a fight between Diaz and Ruthless Robbie Lawler makes a ton of sense. Lawler is coming off four straight losses and has found himself unable to compete with the very best in the division right now.
A returning Diaz would suit Lawler and the two's tough as nails approach would blend perfectly. Both men are true warriors and you could guarantee we'd see an all-out war between the two. Gimme gimme gimme.
Dan Hardy
Another UFC veteran in Dan Hardy has been hinting at a potential return to the octagon himself recently and what better way for both men to return that against each other. Hardy hasn't fought since 2012 and would likely battle the same octagon rust that Diaz will face.
At 38 years old, Hardy recently revealed he was in great shape and would be ideal for a returning Diaz. The two barely missed each other the first time round, with Diaz only returning to the UFC one year before Hardy's retirement, so the two should welcome each other back into the cage.
Diego Sanchez
A man known purely for his willingness to stand and bang and refusal to shy away from a war, Diego Sanchez makes a ton of sense for Diaz's return and would likely give us the best possible fight.
Having recently announced his likeliness to retire once his current contract is up, the UFC would be wise to book Diaz against Sanchez as soon as they can, or face missing out on the potential war we'd likely see. Both men are tough SOBs and the idea of both men just going at each other and giving it their all for 15 minutes is enough to get this fight fan pumped up.
Donald Cerrone
Donald Cerrone has already shown he'll fight just about anyone at any time in his UFC career. Cowboy has quickly become known as one of the toughest men in the business and would welcome a fight with Diaz with open arms.
Cerrone is currently on a four-fight losing streak and will face Niko Price later this month, but a fight with Diaz would make sense for both men. It would give Diaz a formidable, but sensible opponent for his first fight in over five years, while it will present Cowboy with the best possible chance to regain some of the steam he's lost in recent fights.
Jorge Masvidal
I know this one isn't all that realistic, and a fight with Jorge Masvidal after a five-year break would likely end poorly for Diaz, but in terms of story, it makes a tonne of sense.
Say Gamebred once again easily defeats Nate in their rematch for the BMF title in the near future, older brother Nick's return to avenge little brother Nate would make one hell of a story heading into his return. Any older brother knows, you hurt my brother and you've got me to answer to, so I'd love to see this one.
That being said, it would likely spell trouble for Nick. His recent loss to welterweight champion Khamaru Usman aside, Masvidal is on the run of his career and has reached stardom that felt previously unfathomable. A fight with Gamebred is tough for just about anyone, but after five years away? The odds would be stacked against Nick for sure.
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