Nate Diaz returns, faces Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 13 on Dec. 13 in Phoenix

After sitting on the sidelines for almost one year, Nate Diaz will return to the Octagon to face Rafael dos Anjos in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 13, which goes down from U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 13, 2014.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) confirmed the bout earlier today (Sept. 23, 2014) via its official website.

When his calls for his release fell on deaf ears, Diaz spent the better part of a year trying to renegotiate his UFC contract after he felt he was conned into signing an eight-fight deal by the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion.

When Dana White and Co. wouldn't budge, Diaz continued his strike, eventually earning himself the boot from the official UFC rankings. Because at the end of the day, White doesn't care if a particular fighter chooses to sit on the sidelines ... forever.

After failed talks, it seems the two sides have reached a mutual understanding as the younger of the Diaz brothers is ready to get back into the swing of things. This time around, though, he'll find that the lightweight landscape has changed and gotten a bit more crowded.

His return fight won't be easy, taking on a man who has been very active and red-hot as of late, as "RDA" has won two straight and seven of eight overall.

UFC on FOX 13 is expected to be headlined by a couple of hard-hitting heavyweights, as Junior dos Santos makes his return to the Octagon to face Stipe Miocic in a five-round affair. Also on the card, Alistair Overeem will look to make the most of latest -- and perhaps last -- opportunity when he takes on Stefan Struve.

To see the rest of the star-studded UFC on FOX 13 line up click here.