⁩42-Year-Old Nick Diaz Surprises Fans by Claiming Championship Dreams Are Still Alive

UFC veteran and popular fighter Nick Diaz talks about a potential comeback and ability to compete in massive title fights. 

⁩42-Year-Old Nick Diaz Surprises Fans by Claiming Championship Dreams Are Still Alive

Nick Diaz believes he could win the UFC title (via X)

Nick Diaz’s last UFC outing came in 2021, when he returned to face longtime rival Robbie Lawler in a highly anticipated comeback fight. Despite the massive hype, the bout did not go as planned with the veteran suffering a disappointing TKO loss. Afterward, many fans believed Diaz’s fighting career was over, but the legendary fighter appears determined to prove otherwise.

Nick Diaz recently made headlines following a new interview, where the former UFC title contender opened up on multiple subjects. The veteran discussed his recovery journey, explaining he was mentally and physically in a far better place than before. While addressing future plans, the Stockton native hinted at a possible UFC comeback, even targeting championship gold.

I see myself becoming world champion, and I think it’s easy money. It’s not like before. People are going to see a brand new me. For me, I just think that I wouldn’t have made it this far if I thought that there was something that could stop me. That being the next guy I’m standing in front of, or any obstacle. Substance abuse, right or wrong, I’m just very confident that I’m going to do better every year, every day.

Nick Diaz via Baja Rehab 

In his prime, Nick Diaz was considered a dangerous force, engaging in high-profile contests against legends like Georges St-Pierre, B.J. Penn, and Anderson Silva. However, in 2015, Diaz tested positive for marijuana and was handed a controversial five-year suspension, effectively halting his career momentum.

The ruling sparked heavy backlash, with several fighters openly criticizing the decision and publicly voicing their support for Diaz. During that period, Nick Diaz supported his brother Nate Diaz, who fought Conor McGregor, expanding the Diaz family legacy. According to Nick, that matchup massively boosted their popularity, bringing global attention and pressures he struggled to handle afterwards.

With sudden fame surrounding the Diaz name, Nick admitted publicity became overwhelming, complicating his personal life and mental well-being. Throughout this, Nick Diaz always shared a strong bond with his younger brother, united by fighting and mutual respect. However, Nick revealed that the relationship recently endured a rough patch, marked by misunderstandings and distance.

Nick Diaz names potential names for his UFC comeback 

It has been five years since Nick Diaz last fought, and during that time, the welterweight and middleweight landscape has changed. Islam Makhachev is now the welterweight champion after beating Jack Della Maddalena to enter the division on a 16-fight winning streak.

Nick Diaz wants to fight Islam Makhachev or Khamzat Chimaev
Nick Diaz wants to fight Islam Makhachev or Khamzat Chimaev (via X)

The Dagestani star has looked unstoppable recently, controlling opponents with pressure and relentless grappling in his last fights. At middleweight, Khamzat Chimaev reigns as champion, remaining undefeated while dominating nearly every opponent placed across from him inside the cage. 

Both champions rely heavily on elite wrestling, pressure, and physicality to overwhelm rivals and dictate every phase of competition there. Despite these challenges, Nick Diaz believes his experience and mindset allow him to handle both fighters in a comeback.

I could fight at 185, but I’d like to fight at 170. (Islam Makhachev or Khamzat Chimaev) I think I could beat both of them. I could lose too, but I can see myself winning those. It’s about coming in with the right formula and fighting the right fight.

Nick Diaz via Full Violence

Weeks ago, Nick Diaz was seen teaching grappling at a gym, explaining methods to beat someone like Islam Makhachev. He criticized Della Maddalena, claiming the former champion lacked grappling defense and struggled to defend himself on the ground. Given his popularity, fans feel excited about Diaz’s comeback, but uncertainty remains regarding timelines and opponents.

Also Read: