UFC welterweight Nick Diaz will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC 235 on March 2, 2019, according to UFC president Dana White. Diaz (26-9) will face Jorge Masvidal (32-13) in his return; contracts have not yet been signed but are reportedly close to being finalized.
Diaz, who hasn't fought since 2015, regained his eligibility to compete in April. He last fought Anderson Silva in a decision loss back in January 2015, but the results were changed to a no-contest when both fighters failed their drug tests. Diaz was suspended for 18 months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for marijuana metabolites. He was suspended again by the United States Anti-Doping Agency in 2017 for missing three out-of-competition drug tests.
Masvidal hasn't fought since last November, mostly due to injuries. He lost that fight against Stephen Thompson by unanimous decision.
Diaz, meanwhile, hasn't won since defeating B.J. Penn all the way back October 29, 2011, at UFC 137. Prior to his no contest against Silva, he faced Georges St-Pierre for the UFC Welterweight Championship; Diaz lost by unanimous decision.