After sitting out for nearly two years, Nick Diaz decided it was time to get back into the swing of things as he inked a new deal to return to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
His retirement break from fighting didn't have anything to do with losing love for the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA), but rather, not getting proposed fights he felt were big enough to convince him to keep going.
While Nick has often voiced his displeasure at fighter pay, or lack thereof, he is adamant his decision to return to the Octagon was not solely based on financial reasons, saying finally getting the whale he was searching for was the determining factor.
"I never meant to say I was retired from martial arts, you never really do" said Diaz during a recent conference call (recap). "I just retired from climbing the ropes, I'm not doing anyone any favors, not even myself a favor, by taking fights I'm not happy with. As far as my retirement gameplan, I just needed some time off," said Nick.
Indeed, labeling himself the "only draw left in MMA," Diaz was adamant he would never return to the cage, unless it was for a title fight or another high-profile bout.
Enter Anderson Silva.
Shortly after announcing his comeback, Diaz was booked to face Silva at UFC 183 on Jan. 31, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Though not a championship fight, facing the former middleweight champion and the best pound-for-pound fighter in the history of the sport over Super Bowl Weekend is definitely a close second.
Maybe even first, in some people's books.
Still, that doesn't mean Diaz, who admits he doesn't necessarily enjoy having to fight, is overly-excited to take on one of the most lethal fighters to ever step foot inside the Octagon. Not because he's afraid of "The Spider," but rather because he knows just what he's up against.
"Definitely not, would you enjoy fighting Anderson Silva?" asked Diaz, as he turned the tables on reporters.
Though the 185-pound fight against Diaz will be Anderson's first since breaking his leg at UFC 168 back on Dec. 28, 2013, Diaz is aware Silva is still a very dangerous foe. But come fight night, it's anyone's guess if a well-rested, well-oiled machine will show up, or a rusty fighter who has been out for over a year.
"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get," said Diaz of his upcoming showdown with the Brazilian bomber.
What Diaz did get, however, is a three-fight UFC deal that he's happy with, saying he "couldn't ask for anything more."