The legend Nick Diaz has not fought since 2013, but it looks like he will make his return against a familiar foe in Robbie Lawler.
The MMA world has been clamoring for the rematch for some time, and they will get their wish. UFC President Dana White was first to announce news of the matchup with TSN‘s Aaron Bronsteter. Additionally, the UFC boss confirmed that the fight was scheduled for a co-main event spot on the UFC 266 Las Vegas card on September 25.
BREAKING: Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler IN THE WORKS (not yet official) as a co-main for an event in September per Dana White.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) July 7, 2021
As it stands, no contracts have been signed so nothing is official yet. According to the report, it would seem the deal between Diaz and Lawler is ’90 to 95 percent done’. The first time the two met was in 2004 where Diaz won by knockout in round 1.
Interestingly, on Wednesday, the same day that the Nevada State Athletic Commission decided to abolish all marijuana policies was also the day that the Diaz fight was announced.
Massive news in combat sports, especially in the light of recent sports news. The Nevada State Athletic Commission will no longer discipline fighters for marijuana. Story coming to @espn.
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) July 7, 2021
The two events are perhaps related considering the same commission banned Diaz for five years due to lingering marijuana metabolites. Of course, this came after his fight with the legend Anderson Silva in 2015.
Diaz’s illustrious career took a couple of hits before he departed from the sport. Prior to receiving the No Contest result in his fight with Silva (Silva would have won a unanimous decision but tested positive for anabolic steroids), the former Strikeforce champion lost to Carlos Condit and then Georges St. Pierre. Although both losses came by way of unanimous decision, further underlining the trademark Diaz toughness.
Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler – Closer Look
Part of the Diaz allure comes from the fact that they seemingly cannot be finished, barring a few missteps against Josh Thompson and two doctor stoppages. This was witnessed first hand in the recent Leon Edwards vs. Nate Diaz fight, it was alarmingly clear that the longer the fight goes, tends to favor the infamous brothers.
Lawler is also looking for a comeback too after losing four fights in a row in the UFC. Despite the losses, every time out, fans expect violence and war to ensue when Lawler gets going. With such a big name in front of him and the chance at revenge, this could be the best form of Lawler we have seen in a while.
Tons of questions surround both fighters, but if this fight goes off without a hitch, we will finally have both Diaz brothers fighting in the same rotation. On Sept. 25 after a six-year hiatus, fans will witness the return of the first Diaz brother to pave the way for UFC superstardom.
What do you make of the matchup between Nick Diaz and Robbie Lawler?
