Fighter Nick Diaz Announces Comeback Plans

Fighter Nick Diaz, 42, has revealed plans to return to professional competition and aim for a world championship title. Diaz has not competed since 2021.

Sobriety Journey and Recovery

Diaz recently discussed his recovery from substance abuse and his ongoing sobriety journey during an interview at the Baja Rehab center in Baja California, Mexico. He identified marijuana and alcohol as substances he had been abusing.

Diaz explained that he had previously maintained sobriety for three years before a relapse, which led him to re-enter rehabilitation. He stated that dangerous situations, including a confrontation involving armed individuals outside his home, contributed to his decision to seek sobriety.

"People were driving past my house with fcking loaded guns and it scared the sht out of me," Diaz said, adding, "I was like, ‘I’m going to f*cking die.’"

He also cited the deaths of close friends due to substance abuse as a motivation for recommending treatment.

Past Career and Scheduled Bouts

During his prime, Diaz was a prominent welterweight fighter, securing a Strikeforce title in 2010 and later competing for both undisputed and interim UFC titles.

Diaz was scheduled for a fight against Vicente Luque at UFC Abu Dhabi in July 2024, which was postponed and then rescheduled for UFC 310 in Las Vegas. He subsequently withdrew from the UFC 310 event for undisclosed reasons.

Outlook

Diaz expressed confidence in his return, stating:

"I see myself becoming world champion and I think it’s easy money. It’s not like before. People are going to see a brand new me."

He credits his single-mindedness as a factor in both his past success and his ability to maintain sobriety.