Per the request of Nick Diaz’s camp, both fighters have agreed to move their 5 round rematch from the welterweight division at 170 lbs to middleweight at 185 lbs.
Diaz, a BJJ black belt under Cesar Gracie, returns to the UFC for the first time after receiving a controversial 5 years suspension for testing positive for marijuana. The positive test came after his most recent fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 183, when SIlva tested positive for PEDs.
At UFC 266 media day, Lawler didn’t give direct answers when asked about the decision to change weight.
“I’m ready to go, that’s all that matters. Camp went well, and I’m controlling the things I can control…” “It is what it is. I’m ready to fight, so we’re moving forward…” “Obviously I’m a little light, but I’m strong, I’m fast.”
The two last faced off on Apr 1, 2004 at UFC 47, with Diaz winning by knockout. UFC 266 features a featherweight title fight between Gracie black belt Brian Ortega and Alexander Volkanovski, as well as a women’s flyweight title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Lauren Murphy.
Catch the event on PPV on ESPN+, Saturday September 25, 2021.
