Nick Diaz has said that fans will see the best version of him when he makes his comeback next year, preferably against Israel Adesanya if he reclaims his UFC middleweight title.
Diaz made his return to fighting after a five-year hiatus to face Robbie Lawler in September last year at UFC 266, where he lost by TKO after he couldn’t continue. The Stockton native’s performance didn’t impress a lot of fans. He was slow and sloppy and looked like a veteran who was way past his prime. The former UFC interim welterweight champion doesn’t want to call it a day however, and wants to prove that he can still hang in there with the best fighters in the world.
Nick Diaz On Making His Return
While attending Crazy Horse 3 in Las Vegas to watch UFC 282 (as transcribed by MMA Mania), Diaz said that he will make his return to the Octagon next year, and wants to fight whosoever has the belt at middleweight.
“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.”
The UFC middleweight title is currently held by Alex Pereira, who scored a comeback knockout victory over Adesanya at UFC 281 to win the belt. The two will likely run it back next year, with ‘The Last Stylebender’ confident of defeating the Brazilian after having lost to him thrice in his career, twice in kickboxing and once in MMA.
Do you think Nick Diaz can still compete with the best fighters in the world?
