NICK DIAZ is finally set to make his anticipated UFC return as Dana White predicted a 2021 comeback fight.
The older brother to American superstar Nate is an iconic figure of his own but has not fought since 2015.
But last year Diaz's manager announced the veteran welterweight was ready to make a return.
UFC president White was initially sceptical, but has now revealed negotiations are intensifying.
He told UFC Arabia: “I didn’t think that it would happen, but it looks like it will. It looks like Nick will fight this year.
"The last time I saw him, I saw him in Jacksonville. But yeah, looks like it's going to happen. So, we'll see."
Diaz, 37, attended UFC 261 in April, as Jorge Masvidal, 36, the man who beat Nate, 36, in 2019, was knocked out by Kamaru Usman, 34.
White has not had direct contact with Diaz about a comeback opponent but matchmakers have been in talks.
He said: "The matchmakers have but I don't know where we're on with it. But it's looking promising."
Diaz's last fight was at middleweight, against UFC legend Anderson Silva, now 46, which initially ended in defeat.
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But it was overturned to a no-contest due to a failed test by Silva, while Diaz was also suspended.
It came after he tested positive for marijuana which initially gave him an unprecedented FIVE YEAR ban.
Upon appeal, it was overturned to 18 months, but even after serving the suspension, Diaz never returned.
In the years since, he was watched as little brother Nate rose to stardom, thanks in large to his rivalry with Conor McGregor, 32.
Nick has since been training with his brother, who returns on Saturday against Brit Leon Edwards, as well as heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury.
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