Report: Nate Diaz to return vs. Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 in August
Nate Diaz will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon on August 17 against Anthony Pettis in UFC 241, ESPN's Ariel Helwani reports.
The bout will mark Diaz's first dose of action since he fought Conor McGregor in August 2016.
UFC president Dana White confirmed the two combatants have agreed to square off as welterweights in the co-main event of UFC 241.
Diaz vs Pettis co main event August 17th at 170lbs. in Anaheim pic.twitter.com/xZlPJwjy5e
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 12, 2019
Diaz was supposed to return in August 2018 against Dustin Poirier, but his hiatus was prolonged when Poirier withdrew due to an injury. Known for his brash personality, Diaz saw his popularity skyrocket after defeating McGregor in March 2016 in the first of their two matches. He lost the rematch months later.
Diaz has bounced between welterweight and lightweight over his UFC career. He owns a career 19-11 record.
Pettis, on the other hand, moved up to welterweight for his last fight, where he knocked out Stephen Thompson. He is 22-8 for his career.
UFC 241 is slated to feature Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic in a heavyweight championship tilt in the headliner. A middleweight bout between Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa is also booked for the event.