Announcement on future of Nick Diaz expected today (July 27) at 4pm PT

Will he or won't he?

That's the big question regarding the future of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight standout Nick Diaz, who "retired" after losing a five round unanimous decision to Carlos Condit in the UFC 143 pay-per-view main event back in February.

Not that he had much of a choice.

The wily Stockton slugger was popped for marijuana metabolites following his controversial defeat to "The Natural Born Killer" and despite a valiant effort by his legal team, he was unable to escape the penalty handed down by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

Naturally, Diaz is eligible to return when his one year suspension has been served, but will he opt to remain retired from the sport of cagefighting? Or return to make one more run at the 170-pound belt, currently held by Georges St. Pierre?

We're going to find out later today (Fri., July 27, 2012) at 4 p.m. PT.

That's when the Gracie camp "will be posting a statement regarding Nick Diaz's future on graciefighter.com," according to a tweet from his coach and manager, Cesar Gracie, who also said Diaz was only "temporarily retired" during an update just last month.

The former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion was moonlighting as a grappling competitor at the first-ever World Jiu-Jitsu Expo back in May, against esteemed submission legend Braulio Estima, but no-showed the competition after learning his competitor was having trouble making weight.

Just another day at the office for Diaz.

Well Maniacs, today is D-day. Anyone expecting Diaz to return to the ranks of the UFC once his suspension is over? Or will the part-time triathlete call it quits for good? But more importantly, will he even show up for his own announcement?