Nick Diaz could be ending his four-year absence from the cage.
According to a report from ESPN's Brett Okamoto, former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz is set to return to the UFC on March 3 for UFC 235. While the contracts for the bout are not signed, it's closed to being finalized for a fight with #9 Jorge Masvidal.
Breaking: The UFC is close to finalizing Nick Diaz's return to the Octagon, per Dana White. The fight is Jorge Masvidal at UFC 235 on March 2 in Las Vegas. Diaz's first appearance in more than four years. Story coming soon to @ESPN.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 15, 2018
Diaz last competed at UFC 183 against Anderson Silva, and was coming off of a two-year layoff then as well. After the bout, Diaz tested positive for marijuana and had a long battle with the Nevada Athletic Commission as a result, which included a suspension last year for missing three drug tests. He was cleared to return in April 2018.
The 35-year old Diaz hasn't won since 2011, and the only current UFC fighter that he holds a victory over is welterweight contender Robbie Lawler in a fight that happened well over 14 years ago. Masvidal hasn't fought in a year, as he's appeared on a reality show and battled injuries.
UFC 235 takes place March 3, 2019 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
