The Brothers Diaz are Moving Closer to Return Says Fellow Fighter and Teammate Jake Shields…
The UFC badly needs Nick and Nate Diaz back as soon as possible. The company has been suffering from a lack of star power since Ronda Rousey left for the WWE and Conor McGregor started fighting buses. The Diaz brothers polarize fans. Basically, they’re badasses.
It feels like forever since we’ve seen either of them in an octagon. Nate fought Conor McGregor twice in 2016, famously winning once, and losing the second. Their proposed trilogy fight has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, Nick has been on hiatus and serving a suspension after testing positive for marijuana use after fighting Anderson Silva.
Now it looks like the pair is on their way back. Speaking on the MMA Hour, Jake Shields gave an update on the pair’s progress and it’s looking good. Both men should be back in the octagon in 2018.
Nate is Ready
Earlier this week ScrapDigest broke the news that Diaz wants money over glory. He is being linked to a return at UFC 227 in Los Angeles. That card is taking place in August, and it would be perfect for Diaz to be booked to fight in his native California. Shields said:
“I think Nate will fight again. He still trains a lot. He pretty much trains every day. He wants to fight and he loves training. He just wants to make sure it’s a money fight, which you can’t blame him. He just made those two Conor paydays, so it’s hard for him to step in there unless it’s a big fight.”
The desire is there, but it’s up to the UFC to listen to Diaz’s demands. If they can’t be met, don’t be surprised if this one doesn’t happen. He isn’t known for compromising. The glorious thing about the brothers is just how volatile they are.
Nick of Time
Meanwhile, Nick Diaz is also expected to make his comeback sometime soon. It’s uncertain who he will fight – or even what weight it will be at – but Shields insists that he does want to fight again. He said:
“I think Nick will fight again soon,” he said. “He’s been training a little bit. I haven’t been out there, but I’m pretty sure he’s been training a decent amount. I would love to see him fight again. He hasn’t been training as much, but he’s still in good shape and can come back fast.”
Rumors that the older Diaz will fight Michael Bisping remain just rumors, although ‘the Count is up for that fight. Having fought at both welterweight and middleweight throughout his career, it remains to be seen what direction the next stage of his career will take.
Box Office
Both brothers are potential box-office material. Nate broke into mainstream culture after beating Conor McGregor. Arguably Nick is an even more charismatic presence than his younger brother. The UFC has been too afraid to let the two men’s personalities shine in the past. They may now find that they have no choice.
Who would you like to see the Diaz Brothers fight next?
