After taking a lengthy break from the octagon, popular MMA fighter Nate Diaz is finally returning to UFC. According to multiple sources, Diaz agreed to fight Leon Edwards at UFC 262 on May 15th.
Reportedly, Diaz and Edwards have yet to formally ink the contract for the event, but both fighters verbally agreed to the bout.
Diaz vs. Edwards is expected to be the first five-round fight in UFC history that doesn’t have a belt on the line. It will serve as one of UFC 262’s main bouts alongside the UFC Lightweight Championship matchup between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira.
While the UFC still hasn’t made the news official, Diaz already confirmed the fight on his social media on Tuesday.
The bout against Edwards will be the first for Nate Diaz since the loss against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 in late 2019. Diaz and Masvidal clashed for the symbolic UFC BMF Belt, with Masvidal ending the fight in the third round via TKO.
Diaz has a 20-12 record in MMA, winning five fights via knockout and 11 by submission. He has second-most Fight of the Night, Knockout of the Night, and Submission of the Night achievements in UFC history.
Leon Edwards, on the other hand, will face Diaz with nine straight undefeated bouts under his belt. His last fight against Belal Muhammad in March was ruled Non-Contest due to an accidental eye poke.
Edwards has an 18-3 record in MMA, with most of his wins coming via decision.
