Former UFC fighter Jake Shields has provided a positive update on MMA legend Nick Diaz.
The former Strikeforce middleweight champion is a long-time teammate and friend of Nick Diaz.
Nate Diaz‘s older brother was supposed to make his eagerly anticipated comeback at UFC 310 in December, but he withdrew from his fight with Vicente Luque, who ultimately choked out replacement opponent Themba Gorimbo during the final UFC pay-per-view of 2024.
Just days after his fight with Luque was scrapped, worrying footage went viral showing Diaz attempting to light a piece of grass on fire. It led to widespread concern about the iconic fighter’s mental and physical well-being.
Jake Shields shares Nick Diaz update
Nothing much has been said about Diaz since then, and fans have been left wondering exactly what is going on with the man who fought Georges St-Pierre at the peak of his career.
Thankfully, Shields has provided some positive news about his old friend. The 46-fight MMA veteran refused to divulge details about Diaz’s personal life, but he did reassure fans that things are looking up in 2025.
“He’s doing a lot better,” Shields said on The Overdogs podcast.
“I’m not going to get into anything personal with him. But he had some stuff that’s been going on for a little while and he’s finally heading in the right direction.
“So, I’m hopeful for Nick because he’s like a brother of mine, one of my best friends.
“Life’s tough sometimes, ups and downs, and things can happen. Nick was dealing with something, and I think he’s headed in the right direction. I haven’t felt that way in a long time. I finally feel a lot better about that situation.
“We’ll see, time will tell. I’m so close to him so it’s painful watching you know someone struggle with some things. But I think he’s going to be finally better.”
Nick Diaz winless since 2011
Diaz has had one foot out of MMA for years. The 41-year-old has fought just twice in the past decade.
In September 2021, he ended a six-year layoff to take on Robbie Lawler in a rematch 17 years on from their first fight, which ended with Diaz scoring an epic one-punch knockout win.
It was a different story at UFC 266. Diaz gave a good account of himself despite looking somewhat off the pace. Ultimately, he suffered a third-round stoppage loss when he dropped to the floor and uncharacteristically refused to fight on.
Before that, Diaz suffered defeats to Carlos Condit, GSP, and Anderson Silva (which was later overturned to a no-contest), during his 14-year losing streak that dates back to 2011 when he outpointed fellow legend BJ Penn.
It’s currently unclear if Diaz will ever get the chance to return to MMA and record a long-overdue win.