Nick Diaz targeting UFC return in 2022, wants title shot against Kamaru Usman

Nick Diaz intends to compete before the end of the year – and he’s still eyeing the champion.

One of the most popular fighters on the roster, former Strikeforce and WEC champion Diaz (26-10 MMA, 7-7 UFC) wants a shot at UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman (20-1 MMA, 15-0 UFC), who’s currently healing from a hand injury.

The 38-year-old returned from an almost seven-year layoff this past September when he rematched Robbie Lawler at UFC 266. The bout took place at middleweight, and while Diaz landed a few decent combinations, he eventually was overwhelmed and stopped by Lawler in the opening minute of Round 3. Diaz mentioned his desire to fight Usman before facing Lawler, and he still wants that fight.

“(We’re) working on end of the year. … I’m just focused on my training right now,” Diaz told TMZ. “If I’m going to fight, I want to fight for the title. … They want to say that I want to fight a bunch of guys and stuff like that. Well, you know what? It’s a bigger fight.

“Just skip all the mess. I don’t need to go in there and get my ass whooped by one of the young guys, anyway – and it’s not that I won’t win. It’s just not motivating to fight somebody that’s – I want to fight for the title. I’m 38 years old.”

Dana White scoffed at the idea of Diaz fighting Usman when Diaz first mentioned it, and many analysts, including Daniel Cormier, aren’t keen on seeing him fight again. However, Diaz thinks he can dethrone the champion.

“I think I’ll beat him. … I would love it if they gave me a shot,” Diaz said.