Nate Diaz returns for the first time in 19 months when he meets Leon Edwards at Saturday's UFC 263 from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz.
UFC President Dana White has said the winner of Diaz-Edwards will meet whomever emerges from the Kamaru Usman-Colby Covington welterweight title fight that is scheduled for later in 2021.
A title opportunity for Edwards makes sense, considering he's the No. 3-ranked welterweight in the UFC and is currently riding a nine-fight winning streak. To some, a championship opportunity for Diaz isn't plausible since he's only competing for the third time since his UFC 202 rematch loss to Conor McGregor and is 1-1 in his previous two outings. What Diaz has going for him is the fact he's one of the few superstars on the UFC roster. That sight isn't lost on Diaz. He feels that regardless of the result at UFC 263, a title shot is his the next time he steps into the Octagon.
"I don't care if I lose, I'm fighting for the title," Diaz told Rolling Stone. "The plan is win here, and then we'll see who's next for me."
Many were surprised that Diaz chose Edwards for his return to action since the latter is still building his name in the UFC. Diaz (20-12) views things differently and holds Edwards in high regard.
"He's the top guy. He's the guy who has been beating everybody, so why wouldn't I fight the best guy?" Diaz said. "It's impressive when somebody can win that many times in a row in the big show."
Diaz-Edwards will be the first-ever five-round non-title nor main event tilt in UFC history. Two title fights will follow the welterweight special attraction. The way Diaz sees that though, all eyes are on him going into UFC 263.
"History just happens for me, huh?" Diaz said. "I was just like, 'I'm trying to fight a main event for five rounds.' They're just like, 'We got a main event with these guys.' I'm like, 'Whatever, I'm the main event either way. Let's do it.'"