The wait to see Nick Diaz back in the Octagon appears to finally be coming to an end.
Diaz, who hasn’t fought competitively since January 2015, will face former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in a five-round fight at UFC 266 in September.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole tweeted the news early Tuesday afternoon, citing UFC president Dana White as his source. White subsequently retweeted Iole.
Diaz’s last fight was against Anderson Silva in the main event at UFC 183 in Las Vegas. The fight was ruled a no-contest after Silva tested positive for steroids and Diaz tested positive for marijuana.
UFC 266 is scheduled to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sept. 25, by which time Diaz will be 38.
Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) has been retired since the Silva fight. His fight with Lawler (28-15 MMA, 13-9 UFC) will also be a bit of a reunion, as the two fought at UFC 47 on April 2, 2004. Diaz won that fight with a second-round knockout.
Lawler last fought on Aug. 29 of last year and lost to Neil Magny by unanimous decision. Lawler is on a four-fight losing streak, with his last win coming on July 29, 2017.
–Field Level Media