Dana White Comments on Nick Diaz’s Return Fight

Nick Diaz has been one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts for many years. Unfortunately, he hasn’t stepped into the cage since a decision loss (since overturned) to Anderson Silva. This week, UFC President Dana White offered some more information about Nick Diaz’s return fight.

White doesn’t seem very confident that Nick will ever return to the fight game. Fans are hoping he’s wrong. Now is a great time to talk about the UFC President’s recent comments.

Here’s what we know!

The UFC is Set for a Groundbreaking Year in 2021

2020 is about to wrap up and the UFC finally gets a chance to take a breath. It’s been an extremely busy year for the world’s biggest MMA promotion. Back in March, the UFC and all other major sports leagues shut down their operations.

In May, the UFC did something many felt was impossible. Against all the odds, the promotion became the first sport to come back with a massive show in Jacksonville, Florida. This was a pivotal moment in professional sports and began the UFC’s hectic schedule for the rest of the year.

By the time summer rolled around, the UFC had its strategy down. It began holding all domestic events at the Apex Center in Las Vegas. International fight cards started taking place at “Fight Island,” in Abu Dhabi. This combination allowed the promotion to put on shows on a weekly basis.

It wasn’t easy, yet things worked out in a major way. Fans were treated to a huge number of world-class fights throughout the year. Reports indicate that the promotion saw some of its highest Pay-Per-View sales in years.

2021 is expected to be even better. There are a huge number of incredible matchups already scheduled to take place next year. That includes the upcoming fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. It’s a fun time to be a fan of the sport!

There’s one name that fans continue to discuss. Unfortunately, Dana White doesn’t seem to feel that we’ll see him fighting anytime soon.

Don’t Expect to See Nick Diaz’s Return Fight Anytime Soon

Back in 2011, Nick Diaz made a triumphant return to the UFC. At that point, many considered him to be one of the greatest fighters in MMA. He was the strikeforce welterweight champion and recorded wins over some of the sport’s best competitors.

After a loss to Anderson Silva in 2015, Diaz seemed to disappear from the fight game. Fans have continued to debate whether or not he’d ever make a return to the cage. Then, out of the blue, Nick’s manager revealed that he would indeed fight again sometime in 2021.

UFC President Dana White isn’t convinced that we’ll see Nick Diaz’s return fight, though. He believes that point in his life is now over. White offered some interesting points on this situation during a recent media interview.

“Everything that I see from Nick Diaz doesn’t look like he wants to or is ready to compete in this sport,” White said. “I don’t think anyone should want to see Nick Diaz fight. [He’s] been in a lot of wars, he’s accomplished a lot of great things in his career, he’s made a lot of money, he’s obviously super-famous. He’s gotten everything you could hope to get out of fighting. I just don’t know why, when I see his Instagram, why he would come back.”

White must know more than the average fan. Many are disappointed to hear his comments, though. The return of Nick Diaz would be incredible to see, even if he is past what most would consider to be his fighting prime.

Perhaps White is incorrect and Nick does still plan to return to the cage. There are a huge number of world-class welterweights ready to take him on. Soon, the 170-pound title will once again be up for grabs.

There Are Some Big Welterweight Fights Taking Place Soon

The UFC’s welterweight division has always been one of the best in the sport. In the beginning, Matt Hughes was the undisputed king of the weight class. Later, George St. Pierre took over as the best welterweight alive.

The sport moves fast, and Kamaru Usman is now the clear champion at 170-pounds. On February 13, he’ll be looking to defend his title for the third time. His opponent, Gilbert Burns, won’t be an easy man to get through.

Sites like BetOnline list Usman as the -235 favorite in this matchup. Gilbert Burns comes in as the +200 underdog. This is a huge fight and one that should produce fireworks from a stylistic point of view.

Could Nick Diaz’s return fight come against the winner of Usman vs. Burns? It seems a little unlikely. Dana White doesn’t even seem to feel that Nick Diaz will ever fight again. Anything is possible, though.

There are far more deserving fighters in the welterweight division, though. That includes the winner of the upcoming matchup between Michael Chiesa and Neil Magny. We’ll be sure to offer more information on the situation at welterweight over the next few weeks!

Do you think we’ll ever see Nick Diaz fight again? Who would you like to see him compete against? Let us know in the comments section below!