UFC News: Dana White’s Mistake With Nick Diaz and Tony Ferguson Gets Called Out as UFC Abu Dhabi Update Leaves Fans Bewildered

Nick Diaz is back. The fan-favorite former title challenger will fight another fan-favorite veteran Vicente Luque at the upcoming UFC Abu Dhabi card on August 3. The UFC CEO Dana White announced it in a recent video on his official Instagram handle. Diaz, of course, has not fought since his loss to Robbie Lawler back in 2021 and will return to the octagon after three years to the adoration and cheers of fans despite his recent form. The 40-year-old’s career got derailed following his decision loss to Anderson Silva (later overturned to a no-contest) at UFC 158 back in 2015.

The same year, the Stockton native was found guilty of marijuana usage (he admitted to using marijuana for medical purposes) and was handed a five-year ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The fans, of course, were outraged at the stringent sentence and were looking forward to the prodigal son’s return. However, since his return to action in 2021, the 40-year-old has fought just once: the aforementioned UFC 266 loss to Lawler.

While the fans were certainly excited about the return of Diaz, there was one criticism of the matchmaking for Abu Dhabi that was almost universally voiced by fans. Many feel that the UFC missed out on a possible bout between Diaz and another UFC legend: Tony Ferguson. ‘El Cucuy’ will move up to 170 pounds and face Michael Chiesa on the Fight Night card, in what might be Ferguson’s last fight, according to White.

With both Diaz and Ferguson being 40, coming off of consecutive losses, and seemingly at the end of their rope, a bout between them would have been a potentially blockbuster affair. Their enduring popularity, as well as the congruence in where they stand professionally at the moment, would have seen their bout to be a strong main event candidate. Meanwhile, fans were delighted to hear about Diaz’s return, even as they suggested an alternative matchup for Diaz.

Fans react to Nick Diaz’s return

Fans took to the comments section of the Instagram post to let their thoughts known. One fan expressed his absolute surprise at the announcement of Nick Diaz vs. Vicente Luque: “WTF! Nick Diaz! Vs Luque!?” Another felt that the Abu Dhabi card was the most star-studded card ever: “This is the best fight night card I’ve seen ever…….” Another felt that Diaz’s return should have seen more enthusiasm from the UFC boss: “Just casually dropping that Nick Diaz is back….” 

One fan believed that Nick Diaz should not even be allowed to fight anymore: “Why are we still letting nick diaz fight??” Another opined that Nick Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson would be a more alluring and exciting matchup: “I would rather see Nick Diaz vs Tony Ferguson @danawhite.”

Another fan implored the UFC to stop booking Tony Ferguson: “BRUH STOP GIVING TONY FIGHTS.” Another felt that the best way to pacify dissenting fans was to make Nick Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson on the Abu Dhabi card: “Diaz vs Tony and everyones happy.”

Ferguson and Diaz, after all, are two of the most beloved fighters in the promotion. In addition, both seem to be approaching the end of their careers, which is on a downward slope. This is why a bout between the two has been demanded by the fans, simply because it makes a lot of sense.

Do you think UFC and Dana White missed a golden opportunity by not putting up Nick Diaz against Tony Ferguson? Drop your views in the comments below.