Nick Diaz 'dreams big' and reveals his desire to face Kamaru Usman in his return to the UFC

N. Diaz (photo) faced R. Lawler in September 2021. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

the veteran Nick Diaz is close to a return to the UFC octagon. However, anyone who thinks that the 'bad boy' only fights for money and doesn't make sporting sense is mistaken. In an interview with 'TMZ Sports', he declared that he has the desire to measure forces against Kamaru Usman, for the welterweight belt (up to 77kg.), and believes he can beat him.

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“I'm working hard on it (to return to the UFC) at the end of the year. And, if I'm going to fight, I prefer it to be for the title. They want to ask if I'm going to fight a lot of guys, but I'm more of a take on bigger fights style. I don't want to go in there and get beat up by some guy who isn't that relevant. It's not that I won't win, it's that I'm not motivated to fight for the title, I'm 38 years old. I think I can beat him (Kamaru Usman) and I would love it if they (UFC) gave me a chance,” said Diaz.

No UFC 266, Diaz returned to the Octagon after more than six years of inactivity in MMA. On that occasion, the veteran had a historic rematch against Robbie Lawler. In the confrontation, Nick did not come close to the great performances that made him famous worldwide. The athlete ended the duel with a knockout in the opening minute of the third round.

With the new stumble, Diaz expanded the bad moment in his career. Beaten by Robbie, the 'bad boy' hasn't won a match since October 2011. In his career, the American now has 26 positive results and ten negative results.

Kamaru Usman, in turn, is still recovering from a hand injury and should return for a confrontation against Leon edwards. Number one pound for pound in the world, the welterweight champion (up to 77kg) has a record of 20 wins and just one defeat in mixed martial arts, which began in 2012.