Nick Diaz Targets 'end Of Year' Return Against Kamaru Usman Despite ...

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

MMA legend Nick Diaz is targeting an end-of-year return to the UFC – and he’s set his sights on a showdown with welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

The former Strikeforce welterweight king hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since his long-awaited comeback fight against Robbie Lawler last September.

Sign up for the Sport newsletter

Thank you!

Email address

Please provide a valid email.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email.

3

3

3

Diaz, 38, suffered a third-round TKO defeat to Ruthless but plans to continue fighting, telling TMZ: “We’re working on the end of the year. I’m working on it.”

But the former 170lb title challenger is only interested in fighting for UFC gold.

He said: “I don’t need to go in there and get my a** whooped by one of them young guys anyway, and it’s not that I won’t win.

“It’s just I’m not motivated to fight somebody [that’s not a big name].

READ MORE IN SPORT

'TAKING A P*** ON THEM'

Diaz urinates outside UFC HQ amid contract stand-off with White

“I wanna fight for the title. I don’t wanna do all this — I’m 38 years old.”

Fan favourite Diaz hasn’t tasted victory in nearly 11 YEARS but is confident of getting the better of pound-for-pound king Usman.

He said: “I think I’ll beat him. Either way.”

The eldest Diaz brother then sent a message to The Nigerian Nightmare, saying: “I think I can beat you. I’d love it if they give me a shot. I think I can beat you.”

SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY

Most read in MMA

EYE CARAMBA

Aspinall has DOUBLE eye surgery as rare condition leaves UFC career in limbo

IT'S TIME

McGregor vs Dustin Poirier 3 fight card and prelims timings details for UFC 264

Con-grats

McGregor hails triple cancer survivor & ex-UFC champ after brutal bareknckle win

‘ABUSE’ SHOCK

World-famous coach accused of sexual abuse by student, 18, as she quits team

Diaz looked a shell of the fighter MMA fans around the world fell in love with in his UFC 266 rematch with Lawler – which he took on the back of a SIX YEAR lay-off.

UFC president Dana White was impressed by the BJJ whizz’s performance but would like to see him call it a day.

He told ESPN late last year: “Regardless of how good he looked [against Lawler] or what he did after such a huge layoff, I don’t think Nick should fight.

“It’s not that I was in favour of it. He’s a grown man and can do whatever he wants to do.

“I just don’t think that Nick does it because he loves it. I think Nick does it because he has to do it.

“I don’t know, man. People always ask me, ‘What’s the key to success?’ It’s all about being happy and doing what you love.”