Nick Diaz Returns to UFC Against Vicente Luque in Abu Dhabi Co-Main Event

Nick Diaz will be making his highly-anticipated return to the UFC Octagon in a thrilling welterweight clash against Vicente Luque at the UFC Abu Dhabi co-main event on August 3, as confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old Diaz last fought in September 2021, facing a TKO defeat against Robbie Lawler. A former welterweight title challenger, Diaz’s return has generated immense interest among fans and fighters alike.

Despite his recent losses, Diaz expressed interest in potential matchups against the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Colby Covington, Michael 'Venom' Page, and Kevin Holland before finalizing the bout with Luque, who is ranked No. 14 in the welterweight division.

In another intriguing matchup on the card, Tony Ferguson will be moving up to the welterweight division to take on Michael Chiesa. Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion, aims to end his seven-fight losing streak, while Chiesa looks to bounce back from recent defeats.

The UFC Abu Dhabi event will be headlined by a bantamweight showdown between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. Additionally, Marlon 'Chito' Vera is set to face Deiveson Figueiredo, and a strawweight clash between Mackenzie Dern and Loopy Godinez completes the stacked main card.