UFC icon Nick Diaz set to make fighting return after one year of sobriety with world title ambitions

Feb 2, 2026 - 13:15

Nick Diaz has claimed he will return to fighting with the ambition of becoming an MMA world champion once again.

The 42-year-old former UFC title challenger hasn’t fought since September 2021, when he was stopped by fellow veteran Robbie Lawler in the third round.

Diaz suffered a third-round stoppage defeat to Robbie Lawaler in his last Octagon outing in September 2021 — Lawler offered to help Diaz when the pair fought at UFC 266, as the latter was struggling with a personal matter

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 25: Nick Diaz arrives at the T-Mobile Arena during the UFC 266 event on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) — After getting sober, Diaz returned to training in January and now wants to make a remarkable comeback

Diaz, who has fought the likes of BJ Penn, Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva in his legendary career, has had a turbulent few years dealing with his physical and mental wellbeing.

He was meant to make his UFC return in December 2024, but pulled out due to ‘undisclosed reasons’ and has since had reports of him being ‘drugged and kidnapped’ denied.

However, after over one year of sobriety, Diaz made a return to training in January alongside best friend Jake Shields, and the Stockton native has now revealed plans to continue fighting.

Nick Diaz confirms plan to fight again with world title goals

Appearing on a podcast with Baja Rehab in Mexico — the facility he visited to recover — Diaz was asked what he sees for his future and what he can gain by staying sober.

“I see myself becoming world champion,” Diaz responded.

“I think it’s easy money — it’s not like before, people are gonna see a brand new me.”

The interviewer later noted that Diaz was currently in his second year of sobriety before asking the fighter if he had one last message.

“I just wanna thank my fans and supporters and everybody that’s going to be ready to tune in for my next upcoming fights,” Diaz added.

“We’re gonna win a world title.”

Brothers unite

Diaz sparked concern among the MMA world last month when he criticised his younger brother, Nate, in a later-deleted statement.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 24: Nick Diaz is seen backstage during the UFC 266 ceremonial weigh-in at Park Theater on September 24, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) — After slamming his brother in a furious statement, Diaz now seems to be on good terms with brother Nate

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 04: Nick Diaz attends the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) — Diaz believes he can replicate his success as Strikeforce welterweight champion in his forties

He outlined losing respect and credibility for Nate, describing him as an ‘old man’ who should be ‘discredited’ as the ‘spokesman’ for the Diaz family.

However, the brothers have seemingly settled their differences, having been spotted at an event with MMA legend Chuck Liddell over the weekend.

The foundations of a solid relationship between the pair could then pave an opening for both men to make a fighting return, with Nate also looking to get back into the Octagon.

Stranger things have happened in the fight game, and a return for either man should never be ruled out, given the imminent UFC White House card.