A welterweight bout between two scrappers that will undoubtedly produce fireworks has been added to UFC 189.
According to Wednesday’s edition of UFC Tonight, Nate Diaz has returned to the welterweight division to square off with the always tough Matt Brown later this summer.
Nate Diaz returns to welterweight, faces Matt Brown at UFC 189
Diaz (17-10) made a return to the Octagon last December after a year layoff due to financial disagreements, but was dominated by now-champ Rafael dos Anjos in a three-round lightweight bout, which co-headlined UFC on FOX 13. He has lost three of his past four fights, the only win since May 2012 was a first-round TKO over Gray Maynard at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale in late 2013.
Brown (19-13) is currently riding a two-fight skid, decision losses to now-titleholder Robbie Lawler and former champ Johny Hendricks. Lawler vs. Brown headlined UFC on FOX 12 last July, and that loss snapped a seven-fight winning streak which included stoppage wins over Jordan Mein, Mike Pyle, and Erick Silva.
The card placement for the bout is unknown at this time.
UFC 189 takes place live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on July 11. In the main event, featherweight champion Jose Aldo defends his belt against the Irishman Conor McGregor. Also, Robbie Lawler takes on Rory MacDonald for the welterweight strap in the co-feature.