It’s been a long time coming — Nick Diaz has returned from retirement and has signed a new three-fight UFC deal.
UFC officials announced the signing on Thursday.
He's back @nickdiaz209 just signed a new bout agreement 2 fight! Details coming soon http://t.co/coguxLGhUI pic.twitter.com/BGlZriJjMW
— Dana White (@danawhite) July 24, 2014
Diaz (26-9, 1NC) has not stepped foot inside the Octagon since his UFC 158 decision loss to Georges St-Pierre. This loss marked his second in a row, as he also fell short on the judges scorecards at UFC 143 for the interim title against Carlos Condit.
Following his UFC 158 loss, he pretty much called it quits — well that is until now.
“I’ve been doing a whole lot of not getting punched around-type stuff,” Diaz said. “I’ve been staying in shape pretty good, doing a lot of running. It’s been a good experience having this much time off.”
Diaz will likely return to the Octagon in early 2015, however he said he could fight tomorrow if he has to.
“Next year I guess, whatever though. I can fight tomorrow; tonight,” he said. “You have to do what you have to do. … [I came today] to sort things out with Dana White and Lorenzo [Fertitta].
“It was hard times for a little bit, but people act like I’ve been doing nothing. I’ve been getting some things done. Just because I’m not getting punched around every day doesn’t mean I’m not focused on what I’m doing. Now, here we are.”
