Nate Diaz’s absence from competing in MMA is expected to end soon, albeit against one of the toughest names at welterweight currently.
UFC is currently aiming to book Diaz against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of their September 10th pay-per-view card, per Brett Okamoto of ESPN.
The fight has been verbally agreed upon, although contracts reportedly have not been signed yet. Should it be finalized, it will headline a card that is expected to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Diaz has recently been speaking out against the UFC, claiming that they have kept him under contract but have not offered him fights. His issues with the promotion reached a fever-high recently, as even publicly asked to be released from his contract.
Diaz is a veteran of the UFC that has fought for them since 2007. He has gained a reputation for putting on fan-favorite fights during his time with the promotion.
In his return, Diaz will be seeking his first win since 2019. That last victory came at UFC 241 when he beat Anthony Pettis via decision.
More recent appearances from Diaz have seen him lose to Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards.
Chimaev currently holds an undefeated record of 11 wins, with five of them coming in the UFC cage. Most of his fights have been noted as dominant performances, beating names like Li Jingliang and Gerald Meerschaert within a round.
His last win saw him prevail in a tough test, going the distance against Gilbert Burns for a unanimous decision win.
UFC President Dana White has stated that Diaz has one fight left on his contract, meaning his next appearance could mark the end of his run with the promotion.
It was previously reported that UFC is aiming to book a bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and TJ Dillashaw for UFC 279 in September. That bout has reportedly departed the show, but the promotion is hoping to schedule it for their October 22nd PPV card. News of this change was reported recently by Ariel Helwani.
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