Dana White targets Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler 2 for UFC 266 in September

It appears Nick Diaz’s UFC return is getting closer to becoming a reality.

With Diaz having recently committed to making a return to the octagon after more than six years away, UFC president Dana White has revealed a highly anticipated rematch with Robbie Lawler is in the plans.

White told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter on Wednesday that the clash between former Strikeforce champ Diaz (26-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) and former UFC titleholder Lawler (28-15 MMA, 13-9 UFC) is “in the works” for September.

MMA Junkie additionally learned from a person with knowledge of the situation that one side has verbally agreed to the rematch as the welterweight co-headliner for UFC 266 on Sept. 25 in Las Vegas. The other side is not yet finalized, however, and contracts have not been issued.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the booking process.

The pair last shared the octagon back in 2004 at UFC 47. Diaz won the bout with a memorable knockout, putting away Lawler in the second round.

Diaz hasn’t fought since January 2015 when he took on Anderson Silva at UFC 183. The bout was ruled a no-contest after Silva tested positive for drostanolone and androsterone and Diaz tested for marijuana. Prior to that, Diaz had lost to then-champion Georges St-Pierre in a unanimous decision. From 2008 to 2011, Diaz went on an 11-fight win streak where he captured and defended the Strikeforce welterweight title.

Lawler, meanwhile, more recently compete in August when he suffered a decision loss to Neil Magny. He’s currently on a four-fight losing stid with his last victory coming in 2017. Lawler won the UFC welterweight title in 2014. He defended it twice before losing it to Tyron Woodley in 2016.