WATCH: Wild Crossover in UFC World as Nick Diaz Meets Sean Strickland in His Habitat

UFC legend Nick Diaz interacts with Sean Strickland at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas after recent return to the public eye.

WATCH: Wild Crossover in UFC World as Nick Diaz Meets Sean Strickland in His Habitat

Nick Diaz meets up with Sean Strickland (via MMA Fighting)

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Nick Diaz defined an era for many MMA fans through his durability and repeated matchups against top competition in his time. His absence from the public eye in recent years led to widespread uncertainty about his future in the sport. That doubt began to fade when Diaz returned to training recently. During those sessions, he was seen meeting former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland.

Concerns about Diaz’s well-being intensified after his girlfriend made repeated social media posts claiming he was being held in Mexico while undergoing rehabilitation. The posts alleged that the Stockton native was unable to leave freely, sparking uncertainty about his situation. She continued to publicly plead for his safe return to the US. No official confirmation supported the claims at the time.

Those doubts have since shifted after Diaz was seen returning to training alongside former UFC fighter and longtime partner Jake Shields. The sessions took place at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, signaling a more stable routine. While training there, Diaz crossed paths with Strickland, who was also working out at the gym. The encounter marked the first known in-person meeting between the two fighters.

That’s awesome, I got to get rolling with you, dude. F***ing legend over here, guys. It’s crazy. That’s a f***ng legend, guys. The moral of the story is, when I was a kid, I used to watch you, bro. I’d be in my f***ing boxer shorts in the living room watching you scrap, dog. It was dope, dude.

Sean Strickland via YouTube

Strickland was training at Xtreme Couture as part of his camp for an upcoming bout against Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez on February 21. The matchup is scheduled to headline a UFC Fight Night card in Houston, Texas. This appearance will mark Strickland’s return to the Octagon after his most recent title fight setback. He last competed one year earlier, losing a title shot to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312.

Diaz’s most recent appearance in the Octagon came against Robbie Lawler in September 2021 at UFC 266. The bout ended in a loss for Diaz after the contest was stopped in the third round. Following that fight, Diaz was scheduled to return against Vicente Luque at UFC 310. However, the Stockton veteran later withdrew from the matchup for undisclosed reasons, extending his absence from competition.

Nick Diaz’s impact on MMA remains significant, defined by notable wins over Frank Shamrock, Robbie Lawler, BJ Penn, and Paul Daley during his prime. Those performances helped establish his legacy as a durable and high-level competitor across major promotions. The acknowledgment from an active former champion like Strickland highlighted the lasting respect Diaz commands within the sport.

Nick Diaz gets married to longtime partner

Nick Diaz’s recent disappearance became controversial after his girlfriend, reportedly named Kayla, publicly claimed he had been taken against his will and described the situation as a kidnapping. The allegations raised widespread concern about Diaz’s safety and well-being. However, Diaz’s coaches later refuted those claims. They stated that the Stockton native was in good health and focusing on recovery.

Nick Diaz's girlfriend pleads for his return
Nick Diaz with girlfriend(via X)

Upon his recent return, Diaz appeared well and in stable health, easing earlier concerns surrounding his absence. He was seen spending time with Kayla at a restaurant, suggesting a more settled personal situation. The appearance followed reports that the two may have gotten married in mid-January 2026. This period also coincided with Diaz marking one year of sobriety after his return from rehab.

Despite the positive personal developments, speculation continues around Nick Diaz’s relationship with his younger brother, Nate Diaz. Reports and social media commentary have suggested potential tension between the two siblings. No official confirmation has clarified the nature or extent of the rumored disagreement.

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