Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Nick Diaz, 42, Targets 2026 UFC Comeback, Says He Will Be World Champion

Diaz frames a Mexico rehab stay as the reset powering a 2026 return.

Overview

  • In an interview associated with Baja Rehab, Diaz declared "I see myself becoming world champion" and called a title run "easy money."
  • He says he is sober following a long rehabilitation in Mexico and is presenting a "brand new me" for his return bid.
  • Training has resumed in California, including recent sessions with longtime teammate Jake Shields.
  • No bout, date, or UFC booking has been announced for his comeback attempt in 2026.
  • Diaz last fought in 2021, losing by TKO to Robbie Lawler, and has not won since defeating BJ Penn in 2011; he also critiqued Jack Della Maddalena’s grappling in the UFC 322 title fight against Islam Makhachev.