UFC: Nick Diaz says ‘kill or be killed’ as return vs Robbie Lawler confirmed
- Diaz will rematch Lawler in five-round UFC 266 co-main event, after more than six and a half years way from the Octagon
- Alex Volkanovski will defend featherweight title against Brian Ortega, with Lauren Murphy challenging flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko
It’s official: Nick Diaz is finally stepping back into the UFC Octagon after more than six and a half years away.
The 37-year-old American Diaz (26-9, two no contests) will return against “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (28-15, one no contest) in a five-round fight which will serve as the UFC 266 co-main event on September 25.
It’s a rematch more than 17 years in the making, after their classic first bout at UFC 47, where Diaz scored a second-round knockout against his 39-year-old compatriot with a counter-left hook.
“I want to thank my team for getting s*** done,” Diaz tweeted after the fight was confirmed by ESPN, the UFC’s official broadcast partner, on Tuesday night. “It’s fight time. #KillorBeKilled #War.”
ESPN reported that Diaz has already signed his bout agreement, but that Lawler has not yet signed his, though is expected to do so soon. TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter first reported the bout was in the works last week.