Nick Diaz in works to fight Lawler in September return
Nick Diaz's long-awaited return is in the process of being finalized.
A rematch between Diaz and former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler is in the works for September, UFC president Dana White told TSN's Aaron Bronsteter.
One side has verbally agreed to co-headline UFC 266 on Sept. 25 in Las Vegas, a source told MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn and Danny Segura. The other camp reportedly hasn't finalized, and contracts have not yet been issued.
Diaz has been out of action for over six years, but White met with him in April and said in June that he expected Diaz to return to the Octagon before the end of 2021.
The 37-year-old last fought in January 2015, going to a no-contest with Anderson Silva. It was originally a decision win for Silva, but the result was overturned after the Brazilian failed a drug test.
Diaz went on hiatus following a three-fight winless streak that included a loss to Georges St-Pierre in a 2013 welterweight title bout. He holds a 26-9 professional record and was last victorious against BJ Penn in 2011.
Lawler, meanwhile, will look to snap a four-fight skid and earn his first victory since 2017. The 39-year-old held the welterweight belt from December 2014 to July 2016, recording two successful title defenses.
Diaz knocked out Lawler in the second round at UFC 47 in 2004.