Nick Diaz is finally set to make his long awaited return to the octagon. According to ESPN’s Brett Okomoto, Nick Diaz will take on Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 in September. It will be a five round co-main event. This will be only the second five round non-title fight in UFC history. The first was with his brother Nate Diaz as he took on Leon Edwards at UFC 263 in June.
UFC 266 is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card will air on pay-per-view as usual, following the preliminaries on ESPN+.
It has been reported by multiple outlets that Lawler has yet to sign his bout agreement, however he is expected to sign relatively soon.
Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler 2 Set for UFC 266
Speculated back in December, fans have been clamoring for the rematch for more than a decade. It has been 17 years since the two first met. Nick Diaz and “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler competed back at UFC 47 when Diaz was victorious, as he stopped Lawler in Round 2 via punches.
Diaz has been out of competition since UFC 183 when his bout against Anderson Silva was later ruled a no contest. Silva tested positive for banned substances and Diaz tested positive for marijuana. Diaz then began a battle with the Nevada State Athletic Commission over his use of marijuana. Ironically, the commission has now changed it’s stance on the subject.
Lawler, 39, has lost five of his last six after defending his welterweight championship at UFC 195. Recently being on the wrong side of decisions to Neil Magny and Colby Covington, Lawler also had a controversial submission loss to Ben Askren at UFC 235. After almost finishing Askren with strikes, Referee Herb Dean called an end to the bout after it appeared Lawler had went to sleep from a bulldog choke. However, Lawler immediately argued the stoppage to Dean saying he in fact was not out.
Featured image
