Nick Diaz isn’t done fighting – and he believes his best chapter is still ahead.
The 42-year-old former title contender recently resurfaced in an interview from a rehab facility in Baja California, where he spoke openly about sobriety, survival, and his belief that a return to championship form is not only possible, but inevitable.
Despite not competing since 2021, Nick Diaz made it clear that retirement isn’t part of his plan:
I see myself becoming world champion.
I see myself becoming world champion and I think it’s easy money.
It’s not like before. People are going to see a brand new me.
In his prime, Diaz was among the elite welterweights in the world.
He won the Strikeforce title in 2010 before moving to the UFC, where he challenged Georges St-Pierre for the undisputed belt and later faced Carlos Condit for the interim title.
Looking back, Diaz credits his unwavering mindset for carrying him through those years:
For me, I just think that I wouldn’t have made it this far if I thought that there was something that could stop me.
That being the next guy I’m standing in front of or any obstacle.
Diaz admitted that marijuana and alcohol played a major role in his struggles, and while he denies abusing harder drugs himself, proximity to that lifestyle left a lasting impact:
I definitely recommend treatment.
I had so many friends die… This could have definitely saved their lives.
After severing ties with agents and longtime associates, Diaz committed to rehab and recommitted to sobriety.
Now back in California, he remains defiant, focused, and confident:
I just want to thank my fans… We’re going to win a world title.
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