News of a potential Nick Diaz comeback after years of inactivity caught the MMA world unawares. The fighter has a pedigree and comes from the old school mixed martial artists, who were with the UFC in its fledgling years under the White-Fertitta combination. Hence, a bunch of welterweight fighters and a middleweight have reacted to the possibility of fighting Diaz. However, Dana White isn’t hyped about Nick Diaz returning and maintained a neutral stance.
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At the Dana White’s Contender Series post-show press conference, White said, “Listen, the Nick Diaz thing. First of all, we would have never released that or done that. We’ll see how this thing plays out. I don’t have any expectations whatsoever. We’ll see what happens.”
It’s possible that the UFC President doesn’t want to hype a return that could fall through or last for just a single fight. Another reason could be the fact that he is focused on the UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi for two PPVs and three Fight Nights.
Also, White has repeatedly stated that he focuses only on the fighters already on his roster and what’s next for them. Hence, unless Nick Diaz officially gets back, the UFC may not waste resources in planning a fight for him.
Dana White says Nick Diaz’s return talks have been on for years
The UFC President revealed that there had been talks regarding a return. However, he stated that these conversations have been happening for years. As fans know, Diaz hasn’t entered the octagon even after his suspensions ended. This means that the talks have always fallen through. White said, “Yeah, there’s been talking, but there’s been talking for years.”
Even in his time away from the sport, Nick Diaz’s resilience would not have waned. He could give any fighter a run for their money. Also, his hiatus may have worked wonders as his body has been spared years of wear and tear.
Read: Conor McGregor Restarts Rivalry With Nate Diaz and Nick Diaz
Hence, he could be in a prime position to make a winning comeback, just like his brother Nate Diaz. The younger Diaz beat Anthony Pettis to end a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.
What do you make of Dana White’s comments on a Nick Diaz return? Will the talks prove fruitful this time around?
