Cesar Gracie, the long-time Jiu-Jitsu coach of both Nick and Nate Diaz has recently sat down with MMAFighting to discuss the near-future of the older Diaz brother and revealed that his comeback fight may not be in the UFC, and he might be turning to boxing instead. Initially, Nick Diaz revealed that he was completing a test weight-cut several months ago and was eager to return to the sport that made him famous, although it’s worth remembering that both brothers have always been well-respected for their striking ability.
The news comes only a matter of weeks after his younger brother Nate made his UFC return in an epic five-round war against Leon Edwards that propelled the British fighter to the top of the division after his victory over the Stockton native. While 2021 has always been the year that Nick Diaz has intended to make his return to combat sports, Cesar Gracie revealed that his contract may just allow him to compete elsewhere:
“We were looking at September, I have to see where he is in his contract. It is possible that his next fight will not be in the UFC… Nick is very open to take a fight in MMA or boxing.”
When pushed further on the topic of whether or not Diaz was a free agent, Gracie wasn’t able to talk in absolutes and instead advised that his team were “studying the possibility”. However, it was originally reported back when Nick Diaz took his last fight against Anderson Silva that he had signed a three-fight contract with the UFC, so it appears as though any potential boxing match may require the blessing of the promotion.
