Nick Diaz returned from a six-year hiatus in 2021 when he fought former rival Robbie Lawler for a second time in his career at UFC 266. The former Strikeforce welterweight champion did not look like his old self and suffered a TKO loss in the third round. Now, a year after UFC 266, the elder Diaz is planning another comeback for 2023, but this time at middleweight. To the surprise of many, the 39-year-old wants the cream of the crop at 185 lbs in Israel Adesanya. However, the fans are advising Diaz to rethink this bold callout.

Diaz was a fan favorite in the UFC and holds wins over legends like BJ Penn. However, he tested positive for marijuana following his fight with Anderson Silva in 2015. The Nevada State Athletic Commission subsequently placed a 5-year ban on Diaz.

Fans react to Nick Diaz wanting to fight Israel Adesanya

The Diaz brothers have a reputation for always being ready to throw hands. Part of their large fan following is because of this mentality of theirs. However, after his previous performance, fans are finding it difficult to rally behind Nick Diaz for his Israel Adesanya callout.

Responding to the news on Twitter, one fan proposed a welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards instead of the Adesanya fight. He had his reasons for the suggestion, too.

Responding to the previous suggestion, another fan suggested big-money fights against Conor McGregor as a better alternative.

Diaz’s callout did not impress one fan who accused them of being more talk than action.

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Similarly, another fan recommended Nick Diaz against this venture.

One fan pointed out how the Diaz brothers make outrageous callouts.

Another fan also recommended a McGregor fight or a Jorge Masvidal grudge match for his 2019 beating of Nate Diaz.

One concerned fan thoroughly advised against the Adesanya fight, citing his performance versus Lawler last year.

One fan simply joked about the callout.

Diaz could not make the welterweight limit for his bout in 2021. Hence, a return at middleweight seems like a logical choice for the veteran. He had previously called out Kamaru Usman earlier this year when he was 170 lbs champion.

Read More– The Only 2 Times Nick Diaz Has Ever Been Knocked Out in His MMA Career

While fans are concerned about Diaz, the general of the Diaz army is fully confident in himself and vouched for it during a recent public appearance.

Nick Diaz’s plan for 2023

During an appearance at Crazy Horse 3 in Las Vegas for UFC 282, Diaz opened up about his ambitions for 2023. “You can see me back on top in 2023. I’m making a comeback,” said Diaz. The jiu-jitsu black belt assured h will be his best version for the upcoming year.

“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.”

The Diaz brothers have always brought enormous hype and entertainment to their fights. While Nick Diaz vs. Israel Adesanya seems unlikely, it would be interesting to see if Diaz indeed returns in 2023.

Watch This Story– Five times Nick Diaz obliterated his opponents during his MMA career

What are your thoughts on the callout? Who do you want to see Nick Diaz fight if he returns to action in 2023? Let us know in the comments below.