Nick Diaz, a renowned name in the world of mixed martial arts, is set to make his much-anticipated return to the UFC in August. The 40-year-old fighter will be stepping into the octagon to face off against Vicente Luque in a five-round welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night. This news, announced by UFC CEO Dana White, has taken the MMA community by surprise, as Diaz has been absent from the fighting scene since September 2021.
Diaz, who is also the older brother of UFC star Nate Diaz, last fought against Robbie Lawler in a tough TKO loss. Despite his previous struggles in the octagon, Diaz has decided to make a comeback and test his skills against Luque, who has proven to be a consistent force in the welterweight division. In addition to this exciting matchup, fans can also look forward to a bantamweight showdown between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event.
Apart from the headline fights, UFC fans can expect a series of thrilling matchups at the upcoming UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. Former bantamweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is set to take on Marlon “Chito” Vera, while a flyweight bout between Mackenzie Dern and Loopy Godínez promises to deliver fireworks. Furthermore, a welterweight clash between former interim lightweight champ Tony Ferguson and Michael Chiesa adds to the star-studded lineup for the event.
The UFC Fight Night event is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the same venue that gained popularity as “Fight Island” during the peak of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. With a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming fighters set to compete on this card, fans can expect an evening filled with adrenaline-pumping action and unforgettable moments inside the octagon.
The return of Nick Diaz to the UFC has generated significant buzz within the MMA community, and his upcoming bout against Vicente Luque is bound to be a must-watch event for fight fans around the world. With a stacked fight card and a historic venue hosting the event, UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi promises to be a night to remember for both the fighters and spectators alike.