Nick Diaz

By FCF Staff

Nick Diaz hasn’t fought now in over three years, but his longtime friend and training partner, Jake Shields, believes that drought could end soon.

Diaz’s last fight took place in January, 2015, when he faced Anderson Silva at UFC 183. Silva won the fight via decision, but after the former middleweight champ tested positive for banned substances, the result was overturned to a no-contest.

More recently, Diaz agreed to a one year suspension from USADA, after failing to make himself available for three, out-of-competition drug tests. Since the suspension was retroactive to April, 2017, however, Diaz is cleared to fight again.

Shields recently appeared on “The MMA Hour”, and when asked about the likelihood of a Diaz comeback, the vaunted grappler said this (quote via MMA Fighting):

“I think he will I think he’ll fight again soon,” Shields said. “I think he’s mentioned it in training a little bit. I haven’t been out there so I don’t know how much he’s been training but I’m pretty sure he’s been in the gym a decent amount and I would love to see him fight again. I think he’s still got some more in him. He hasn’t been training as much but he’s still in good shape and he can come back fast.”

Shields, meanwhile, is coming off a decision win over Danny Davis Jr. in July, while competing for the Professional Fighters League.