Skip to content

Diaz-Edwards to co-headline UFC 262

Mike Stobe / UFC / Getty

Nate Diaz will make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon to take on one of the UFC's top welterweight fighters.

Diaz will return from a 16-month layoff to face Leon Edwards at UFC 262 on May 15, the promotion announced.

The outspoken 35-year-old took to Twitter to confirm his participation.

The Diaz-Edwards bout will be the first five-round, non-title fight to serve as a co-main event in UFC history. The card also features Charles Oliveira versus Michael Chandler for the vacant UFC lightweight title and another meeting between two ranked lightweights in Tony Ferguson and Beneil Dariush.

Diaz hasn't fought since his BMF title match with Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 in November 2019. He lost at the end of the third round due to a doctor's stoppage. Diaz has been linked to many potential opponents since. Even rising welterweight Vicente Luque called him out after defeating Tyron Woodley at UFC 260 on Saturday.

Edwards is also no stranger to long periods between bouts. The 18-3 fighter was riding an eight-bout win streak but hadn't stepped inside the Octagon since July 2019 due to various fight cancellations. He finally met Belal Muhammad on March 13 but the bout was deemed a no-contest due to an eye poke by Edwards in the second round.

Edwards, the No. 3-ranked welterweight, is looking to climb into title contention. He's only ranked behind Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, and champion Kamaru Usman.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox